Unicorn seal
A steatite unicorn seal from Harappa with Indus script. This seal was found in the central area of Mound E and dates to Period 3B or early 3C, around 2450-2200 BCE. When pressed into clay the impression will be reversed.
Ancient Indus Valley civilization seals
Unicorn seal
A square steatite unicorn seal with a unique inscription was found in the street debris on the inside of the city wall. The two sets of signs on the right hand side of the seal would appear in reverse, i.e.
Large unicorn seal
Large unicorn seal (H99-4064/8796-01) found on the floor of Room 591 in Trench 43, dating to late Period 3C. This is one of the largest seals found from any Indus site.
Unicorn seal
Unicorn seal from Trench 37, which lies to the east of the "Granary." This type of seal comes from levels dating to Harappa Phase Period 3B. Similar seals were found near the "granary" in 1997.
The Unicorn Seal
This seal from Mohenjo-daro measures 29 mm (1.14) inches on each side and is made of fired steatite. Steatite is an easily carved soft stone that becomes hard after firing.
Terra cotta seal and faience tablets
High concentrations of objects such as these terra cotta seal and faience tablets indicate the significance of this part of the site (Trench 54 area) for obtaining further insights on the manufacture and use of inscribed pieces.
Mythological Creatures and Plant Forms Seals
[Original 1931 text] "The three-headed beast on seal 382 appears to be a composite of three animals. The heads and horns seem to be those of antelopes and the body of a unicorn. The heads have been joined to the body very carefully.
Back of Seal
Mackay continues (p. 377 in Marshall 1931):
"The boss was then carefully rounded off after the groove that always runs across its centre had been roughly made by a V-shaped cut.
Boss
Mackay writes that most of the bosses on the backs of seals had the same size and shape. The perforation always runs in the direction of the animal's body, to help keep the seal upright when worn around the neck.
The boss is centered on the back and
The Unicorn
If the figure does represent a cattle species, the clearly carved collar, garland and necklace could help explain its function. Sacrificial animals in village India are often garlanded and decorated similarly today.