Harappa Archaeological Research Project

Excavations in Trench 39 South 1996 uncovered the floor of a house dating to the Ravi Phase (circa 3100 BCE). Many complete vessels were found sitting on the floor along with broken necklaces, bone and stone tools, spindle whorls and bangles made of… >

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. >

This sign was carved onto the pottery vessel after it was fired and may indicate the type of goods being stored in the vessel or the owner of the vessel itself. Another possible explanation is that this symbol represents a deity or spirit to which t… >

Three groups of tablets can be defined on the basis of the type of tool used to incise them and the style of inscribing. The most complex script sign appears to have been made with different numbers of strokes for each of the three groups. This sign… >

Excavation of the Late Harappan Period habitation levels was undertaken by the Harappa Project in 1996 in Trench 38 under the direction of Manabu Koiso, Japan (front left seated with red turban) and Field Director J. Mark Kenoyer (standing far right… >

Excavations in 2000 on the west side of Mound E (Trench 54) began with surface collecting to recover any significant artifacts including inscribed objects and craft indicators. >

This carnelian bead has been artificially colored with white lines and circles using a special bleaching technique developed by the ancient Harappans. >

Terra cotta figurine of a dog with a projecting collar. This type of collar is today often used on fighting dogs to protect their throats (H2000-4968/2165-52, Mound E, Trench 54). >

Close up view of molded terra cotta tablet (H2001-5061/2381-01) from Trench 54 South after cleaning, desalination, and conservation. >

Part of a terra cotta kiln setter found in the Trench 54 South workshop debris. The tip is not vitrified and may have been buried in ash during the firing process. >