The Indus Civilization c8.31

c8.31

Certain pedestals, particularly well made and finished, are objects for which no particular use has as yet been found. These pedestals are usually hemispherical in shape, with a circular recess in the top, which is sometimes bored with holes; they are about six inches in diameter and three in height. The material used is either limestone, white or coloured, or alabaster, and some specimens are ornamented, one very fine one bearing an incised trefoil design which was once inlaid. As this pattern seems to have been sacred in the Indus valley, it may be inferred that the pedestals were designed to support a cult object which was, perhaps, of perishable material, as it has not survived.