Artwork Page for Seal with Two-Horned Bull and Inscription

Details / Information for Seal with Two-Horned Bull and Inscription

Seal with Two-Horned Bull and Inscription

c. 2000 BCE

Pakistan, Indus Valley civilization

Medium
steatite
Measurements
Overall: 3.2 x 3.2 cm (1 1/4 x 1 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1973.160
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India
Print
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Did You Know?

A perforated boss at the back allowed the seal to be suspended and easily pressed.

Description

Small stone seals, probably used to identify merchandise or property, are among the most numerous objects discovered from the mysterious proto-historic sites along the banks of the Indus River system. Like these, most have sensitively rendered animal imagery along with an inscription written in a script that has not yet been deciphered.
A square seal is carved from off-white steatite, its weathered surface pitted with age. In profile facing left, a bull features long, slender horns curving upward and textured lines along its chest. Above the animal's back, a row of symbols is incised into the stone. The rounded corners and chipped edges reveal the material's granular interior, contrasting with the carved relief of the central figure and script.

Seal with Two-Horned Bull and Inscription

c. 2000 BCE

Pakistan, Indus Valley civilization

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