Kot Diji phase raw materials
During the Kot Diji phase many new types of raw material were brought to Harappa for making ornaments and tools, indicating expanded trade networks and suggesting a growing population of consumers.
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.
Inscribed Ravi sherd
The origins of Indus writing can now be traced to the Ravi Phase (c. 3300-2800 BCE) at Harappa. Some inscriptions were made on the bottom of the pottery before firing. Other inscriptions such as this one were made after firing. This inscription (c.
Excavation of the fill inside the jar
Excavation of the fill inside the jar (image 33) indicates it was left exposed for some time and gradually filled with silt as the room became covered with debris (Trench 41NE).
Tiny gold droplet
This tiny droplet of gold appears to be a placer nugget, possibly obtained by panning for gold. (H2000-4410/2102-08, Mound E, Trench 54).
Green stone bead
This unique green stone bead, hardly 1 cm long, was found in the ash at the edge of a Kot Diji phase hearth. The material has not yet been identified, but it may be a form of obsidian.
Kot Dijian Phase Symbols
These particular symbols made on the bottom of terra cotta vessels prior to firing were probably made by potters during the Kot Dijian Period in order to identify their own vessels or ones being made for specific customers.
The upturned rim of a jar
Also in a room encroaching onto the street were the upturned rim of a jar (on left) and two bases (center and right) that were used as hearths (Trench 41NE). The pottery base hearths could have been lifted and moved to different parts of the room
Black basalt pebble
A black basalt pebble found in the excavations in Trench 54 has a few faint traces of gold colored streaks that may indicate it was used as a touchstone. Pure gold has a strong yellow-orange streak, while alloyed gold yields a slightly different hue.
Block removal of basket impression
Sediment around the basketry impression was cut away by graduate student Brad Chase, leaving it on a pedestal so it could be removed in a block.
Inscribed mold fragment
This fragment of a mold used for making large storage jars has three pre-firing graffiti signs. Such symbols when combined together may have served to indicate the name of the owner rather than just being abstract symbols.