An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c25.s4.8

v1.c25.s4.8

As already stated, the Indus inscriptions occur on a variety of media. Of these the maximum number of inscriptions are on seals, sealings and copper tablets (Mahadevan, 1977, pp. 6-7) where they occur generally along with some animal figure. While the inscriptions on seals and sealings are on one side, copper tablets contain inscription on one face and an animal or human figure or a symbol on the other hand. in a few cases, inscriptions on both faces (Pande, 1973, pp. 305-22; reprinted in Possehl, 1979, pp. 268-73). Miniature terracotta, faience or stone sealings, found so far only at Harappa, are also generally found inscribed on both faces. Inscriptions also occur on different faces of prism seals, bone/ivory sticks and cube sealings. In a few cases seals are found inscribed only on one or both the flat faces but also on the edges or even on the boss at the back of stamp seals (Mahadevan, 1977, p. 7).