An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s27: 6.27 Terracotta Cakes
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s27
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6.27 Terracotta Cakes
v1.c11.s27.1
One of the leading diagnostic traits of the Harappa [4.9] assemblage is a group of terracotta objects, commonly called cakes, usually triangular, oval or round in shape. Blunt cylindrical forms also are not uncommon. The clay for the manufacture of these cakes, particularly for the triangular ones, is kneaded carefully with a mixture of husk and grit. Most of the triangular ones are treated with a 'self slip'. The cakes vary from 4 to 10 cm in size. At Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, LOTHAL and KALIBANGAN all these shapes occur in profusion, but the frequency of the triangular type becomes less in the upper levels. Oval cakes however survive in the post-Harappa [4.10] culture in w. Uttar Pradesh. Fragments of cakes of this shape are reported from BARGAON and AMBKHERI in this region.
v1.c11.s27.2
Terracotta cakes have been found in post-cremation urn-burials (Harappa), in the so-called 'fire-places' or 'fire-altars' (LOTHAL and KALIBANGAN) and as a soling material of roads and floors (KALIBANGAN). Thus, found in different contexts the objects are of enigmatic purpose, but those from fire-places might signify their ritualistic use.
v1.c11.s27.3
Marshall, J., 1931, *Mohenjo-daro & the Indus Civilization*, London, 2, p. 480. Vats, M.S., 1940, *Excavations at Harappa*, Delhi, 2, pp. 219, 252-3. For sites see respective entries in vol. II.—N.C. GHOSH