Metal Objects

Ancient Indus Valley civilization metal objects.

Copper razor

A copper razor (H2000/2164-01) was found in the debris layers at the edge of the kiln dump in Trench 54. Wrapped with fibers, pseudomorphs and impressions of which are preserved in the in the corroded copper, this type of curved razor may have been

Inscribed fragment

Inscribed lead celt or ingot fragment from the Trench 54 area (H2000-4481/2174-321). The object was apparently chiseled to reduce its size. Lead may have been used as an alloy with copper, for making pigments, or as medicine.

Gold bead

Composite gold bead with copper-alloy core or wire on interior. The corroded copper still covers part of the tubular gold bead. (H2000-4488/9829-01, Mound AB, Trench 43).

Gold Disc

Fired steatite beads appear to have been extremely important to the Indus people because they were incorporated into exquisite ornaments, such as this "eye bead" made of gold with steatite inlay found in 1995 at Harappa [Harappa Phase].

Gold button

A button or sequin made of thin gold foil with a small interior loop for attachment to clothing. This piece was found crumpled into a small wad, possibly in preparation for remelting to make a new ornament. (H2000-4445/2212-01, Mound E, Trench 54).

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