Experimental steatite manufacture
Experimental manufacture of steatite beads helps us to understand the intricacies of the process. The thin wafers are perforated and then strung on a cord to grind and polish them prior to firing.
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.
Glaze on Kot Diji phase button seal
On this Kot Diji phase steatite button seal from Harappa (H2000-4495 / 9597-01), traces of blue-green glaze can be seen (upper center and left center). Similar seals have been found at other Kot Diji period sites and even in distant Central Asia.
Inscribed rim sherd
Three signs are inscribed on this rim sherd of the Early Harappan Period (Kot Dijian Phase), dating to around 2800 BCE.
Inscribed storage jar
Many large storage jars of the Harappa Phase (2600-1900 BCE) have writing inscribed along the upper portion of the vessel. This inscription includes a figure of a man with the bow and arrow sign in each hand.
Faience button seal
Faience button seal (H99-3814/8756-01) with swastika motif found on the floor of Room 202 (Trench 43).
Mullah Ashur grinding beads
The technique for making tiny beads is still practiced by craftsmen today. Mullah Ashoor from Peshawar is seen grinding a string of tiny steatite beads that will later be fired to make them hard
Sealing find
One of the most exciting discoveries of the 1998 excavation season was finding a seal impression or sealing in a hearth of the Early Harappan Period (Kot Diji Phase, circa 2800 BCE). Here William Belcher is seen photographing the important discovery
Glazed steatite, faience bead, and unfinished steatite seal
Glazed steatite gaming piece, faience bead, and unfinished steatite seal (H99-3860/8756-30) from Room 202 (Trench 43).
Trench 54 top plan
Overall Plan of Trench 54, showing the location of features noted in the previous slides.