The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s15.2

c10.s15.2

With regard to the first sign in Col. IV the evidence of the sequences is negative, and this sign is probably independent. As it occurs only once it may well be an ideogram rather than a phonogram. The sign in text 41 may not be a sign at all but a decorative device. On the other hand it may be the fuller and more complete form of 𐀀. As it occurs alone there is no help to be derived from the evidence of sequences. If it is a sign, it is probably an early form of 𐀀. The shape of this sign 𐀀 and its variants 𐀀, 𐀀 is exactly parallelled in Sumerian and Proto-Elamitic; and in those scripts also we have no morphographic clue as to its original ideographic significance. It is hardly likely to be a man's hand, as we already know the sign for this in Sumerian, and it was quite distinct from 𐀀. It is possible that 𐀀 is a compound of 𐀀 + 𐀀. The fact that the sign appears in the upper right-hand corner of the seal (which below contains the design of a many-headed beast) makes it probable that it is to be regarded as script and not a decorative device.¹