Seals

INDIA

Seals are one of the most significant and productive artifacts recovered from excavations in the sites from the indus valley civilization (c. 2500-1700 b. c.e.) to the GUPTA EMPIRE (c. 320-c. 500 C. E.). In 1872, sir Alexander CUNNINGHAM discovered a seal at harappa decorated with the image of a unicorn and a text in a still undeciphered script. This indicated the possibility of a civilization in the indus valley earlier than any then known on the subcontinent. Subsequently, hundreds of seals have been recovered, and the images have provided much information on the life and thoughts of the people of the indus civilization. An unfinished specimen from mohenjo daro shows the outline of a unicorn on the surface of a piece of steatite nearly three centimeters square (0.48 sq. in.) as

Steatite seals are a vital source of information on the Indus civilization. They incorporate texts in the undeciphered Indus script, ritual scenes, and the images of animals. (Borromeo/Art Resource, NY)

Well as faint outlines of a text. This shows beyond doubt that manufactories were established in major sites.

Most seals were made of steatite, which was first incised with the appropriate text and motif that stand out from the background, then polished and fired to harden the surface. Rarely were seals made of silver and copper. They were used to make an impression on a clay sealing affixed, it is assumed, to merchandise destined for trade. Where the actual clay seal impressions are found, they have on occasion the impressions on fabric or string on the reverse side. Few seals exceed five by five centimeters (2 by 2 in.) in size, and most were equipped with a perforated boss or a hole through them for suspension by the owner. Broken seals are not uncommon and have been recovered from houses and the streets of the major sites.