An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s11.2

v1.c21.s11.2

Dabbers were in use during Harappa times and continue in use till today. They are held as a support inside the vessel while the potter beats it on the outside with a wooden bat to enlarge its girth. Originally the vessels are made with a thick and flat lower portion which is subsequently thinned down when the vessel is in a leather-hard condition. It is then enlarged and shaped with the help of the dabber and the bat. During this process the dabber prevents the vessel from cracking or getting deformed. Thus the term ‘dabber’ is a misnomer. It actually acts as an anvil on which the pot is beaten into shape by the beater, which is really the dabber.