Artwork Page for Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

Details / Information for Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

c. 2000 BCE

Pakistan, Indus Valley civilization

Medium
steatite
Measurements
Overall: 3.5 x 3.6 cm (1 3/8 x 1 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1973.161
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India
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Did You Know?

Specialists disagree as to whether single-horned bovines actually lived during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization, four thousand years ago.

Description

Indus Valley seals appear to have been hung on a string that passed through a boss on the reverse side. This animal, carved with detailed markings around his neck and forequarters, has his head positioned over an object on a stand that may be interpreted as an altar or brazier or censer; it is not known whether it is for offerings to or sacrifice of the animal.
A square steatite seal, its cream surface aged to a matte finish, features a one-horned animal in profile facing our left. Deep horizontal ridges define its neck, which stretches toward a small, tiered ritual stand. Across the top edge, script characters are incised with vertical strokes and fork-like shapes. A fragmented corner reveals the stone's rough interior, contrasting with the smooth, worn face of the ancient artifact.

Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

c. 2000 BCE

Pakistan, Indus Valley civilization

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