Mound AB, Trench 39N bead debris
This plan shows concentrations of bead manufacturing debris on several superimposed Ravi phase floor levels that indicate the positions of actual work areas.
Kot Diji phase street debris
The Kot Diji phase streets were filled with debris, including potsherds, charcoal, ash, animal bones, and occasional bangles and steatite beads.
Kot Diji phase steatite disc beads
This set of steatite disc beads, each about 1 cm in diameter, were found in the Kot Diji phase street and appear to be a necklace segment that was lost in the trash. The manufacturing marks are clearly visible.
Steatite bead blanks
A high concentration of tiny steatite bead blanks was found on an ashy floor near the kiln dump in Trench 54. Each (modern) bamboo piece is pointing at one bead.
Unfinished steatite beads
Hundreds of unfinished steatite beads were found in one small area an ashy floor in Trench 54. Some of the tiny wafers are perforated.
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.