Harappan Seals

Harappan Seals are a corpus of steatite seals and sealings from the Indus Valley Civilization, dating from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE.

Overview

Over 3,500 Indus seals have been discovered across the Indus Valley Civilization, most made of carved steatite. They feature animal motifs (unicorn, elephant, tiger, rhinoceros) and the undeciphered Indus script.

Historical Context

The seals were first discovered at Harappa in the 1870s and have since been found at Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, and other Indus sites. They were used to seal goods for trade and may have served as markers of identity or ownership. The seals demonstrate the sophistication of Harappan craftsmanship and the extent of their trade networks, with Indus seals found as far as Mesopotamia.

Features/Significance

The Indus script on the seals remains undeciphered, making them one of the great mysteries of archaeology. The animal motifs demonstrate naturalistic artistic skill. The seals’ distribution across the Indus Valley and into Mesopotamia provides evidence of long-distance trade. The “unicorn” motif is the most common and may represent a clan or family symbol.

Modern Status

Harappan seals are housed in major museums worldwide, including the National Museum, Delhi, and the British Museum. The Indus script remains undeciphered, and the seals continue to be active subjects of research.

Verification Notes

• Over 3,500 seals discovered
• Steatite material, approximately 2-3 cm square
• Indus script undeciphered