Observations on the Manufacture and Raw Material Provenance of Indus Civilization Seals

Time: 
20:01

Dr. Randall Law gives in in-depth analysis of the steatite manufacturing debris used in ancient Indus seals to show how the bulk of it came from sources in the far north including Hazara and Jammu. This includes seals made far to the south of these deposits including Mohenjo-daro and Dholavira. These conclusions remind us of how integrated the Indus manufacturing processes were across a wide area. Law also speaks to the nature of the steatite from this region that made it so attractive to seal craftsmen - it most reliably turned white when heated. Other fascinating speculations from the trial manufacture of seals ensue in this excellent presentation.