The Script of Harappa and Mohenjodaro and its Connection with Other Scripts c10.s36.3

c10.s36.3

The thirteenth sign (texts 42, 43) is pictographically different from the first, but it appears in identically similar circumstances (cf. Nos. 14 and 42). It is probably, like 𓀀 and 𓀀 a determinative. In shape it approximates to the Egyptian sign for a man, performing the hnw rite. The next two signs in Col. IV closely resemble the Egyptian determinative slave 𓀀 plus the sign 𓁹 . From the evidence of Table XXXVI, 42, we know that 𓁹|| are to be read together as one word or phrase, || being a numeral and 𓁹 some numerable object forming the subject matter of a receipt. To this object is ligatured the determinative 𓀀. The object itself is then probably a slave. It is difficult to think of any other commodity which could be at once the subject of a receipt and qualifiable by the determinative slave. The texts then probably read "From X (name) two slaves - det 𓀀." "From Y two slaves - det 𓀀." For there are strong reasons for taking 𓀀 as the suffix 'from' (See Analysis of Table LVIII).