The Indus Civilization c7.23

c7.23

What was probably considered a bead of special value was constructed of carnelian, with a pattern painted upon it in white which was subsequently fired (Pl. K, 5). This is technically known as “ etched carnelian,” and is not common at either Mohenjo-daro or Harappa, although several specimens have been discovered at the former site of the same shape and with the same painted pattern as beads found by Dr. Woolley in the Royal Tombs at Ur. It is not known whether these beads were made in India, Sumer, or a third country, but their presence at Mohenjo-daro is important as a means of dating that city. Etched carnelian beads were sometimes copied in a soft stone, such as steatite, by painting lines of burnished red on a smooth red ground; but as the finished product had not the translucency of the real stone, it doubtless deceived but few.