Harappan Pendant
Among the most unique of ancient Indus objects, it inspired Dr. Kenoyer to surmise that "perhaps the most intriguing aspects of the ancient Indus culture are the religion and politics, which appear to have been closely intertwined."
Unicorn (so-called) motif in the ancient Indus Valley.
Sealing
Seals were used to make a sealing, or positive imprint, like this modern resin one made from the original seal. Sealings were used in ancient times for trade.
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.
Unique Unicorn Seal
Unique Unicorn Seal as part of some sort of container found at Gola Dhoro.
Ancient Indus seal found at Gola Dhoro
Ancient Indus seal found at Gola Dhoro, frontal view.
Unicorn Seal
This unicorn seal was also discovered during the late 1927-31 excavations at Mohenjo-daro. One theory holds that the bull actually has two horns, but that these have been stylized to one because of the complexity of depicting three dimensions.
Ancient Indus seals and sealings
Ancient Indus seals and sealings found at Gola Dhoro, Begasra.
Amulet
In addition to any commercial functions, the seal may also have designated a position of authority. The motif on the seal could also have been an amulet or charm.
The seal itself was probably worn around the neck, with a chord passed through the boss