Kot Diji Phase

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. A wide variety of stones reflecting different s… >

Excavations in Trench 39 South on Mound AB in 1996 revealed an extensive deposit of the Kot Diji phase occupation dating to between 2800 and 2600 BC. A geometric button seal (38) was found in the upper part of this rectangular Trench 39 South. White… >

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. >

Early Harappan (Kot Dijian Phase, Period II) female figurines are often broken. On the left is the lower half of a figurine, showing wide hips and pointed legs. On the right is the upper half of a figurine with traces of painting. >

In preparing the basketry impression for removal, large numbers of broken Kot Diji phase ceramic vessels were uncovered, all discarded together into the street along with the basket. >

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. Some of these single pre-… >

The pedestaled basketry impression was covered with plastic and a plaster jacket applied to hold the column together when the sediment was cut loose. >

Many sherds inscribed after firing have single geometric signs. This collection of Early Harappan sherds from Periods 1 and 2 (c. 3300-2800 BCE) show a range of geometric signs that are roughly similar to later signs in the Indus script. >

HARP co-directors J. Mark Kenoyer and Richard Meadow discuss the excavation of a Kot Diji phase storage jar that was later covered by a hearth. >