Harappa Archaeological Research Project

HARP (Harappa Archaeological Research Project) a group of scholars from a variety of fields dedicated to advancing the study of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.

Sampling soil from the Ravi phase

Blocks of soil removed from the Ravi phase section were taken to the University of Wisconsin, where they were impregnated with resin and sliced thin for microscopic analysis of cross sections of the bead-making strata.

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Mound AB, Trench 39N bead debris

This plan shows concentrations of bead manufacturing debris on several superimposed Ravi phase floor levels that indicate the positions of actual work areas.

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Textile Evidence

The earliest evidence for normal weave textiles at Harappa is found in this impression on a Ravi Phase bead from Harappa, dating to around 3300 BCE. This fragment is only 1 cm long.

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Excavations conducted in narrow space

Excavations were conducted in the narrow space running west from the buttresses and between the interior walls to determine what was inside of the "granary" structure.

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Unicorn sealing

Low fired sealing in terra cotta of a unicorn seal from the Trench 54 area (H2000-4453/2174-192). This type of clay sealing was used to seal bundles of goods for transport.

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Kot Diji phase excavations

Harappa Mound AB, Trench 39N, showing the Kot Diji phase (Period 2, ca. 2800-2600 BC) and later levels during excavation.

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Textile impressions

Textile impressions on a toy bed made during the Harappan Phase (c. 2600-1900 BCE) show finely woven cloth made of uniformly spun threads. This example shows a fairly tightly woven normal weave.

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J. Mark Kenoyer videoed the "granary"

In addition to documentation with still photography, J. Mark Kenoyer videoed the "granary" areas excavated and narrated details of the stratigraphy and of the brick construction.

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Faience tablet or standard

This unique mold-made faience tablet or standard (H2000-4483/2342-01) was found in the eroded levels west of the tablet workshop in Trench 54. On one side is a short inscription under a rectangular box filled with 24 dots.

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Plan of Kot Diji phase levels

Plan view of Trench 39N Kot Diji phase levels (Period 2: 2800-2600 BC) with locations noted for major finds: sealing, elephant seal, inscribed sherds, limestone weight. This area appears to have been a street running between mud-brick structures.

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Harappa Archaeological Research Project

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