Large jar set into the floor of one of the small rooms, Harappa
Detail of domestic structures with hearths and large jars set into the floor (Trench 41 NE).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Faience cloven hoof
Tiny cloven hoof made of two-color faience probably from a composite figurine.
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.