An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.t3.37

v1.c9.s18.t3.37

The principal ceramic industry of the period is a nondescript red-slipped pottery having a salt-glazed surface and represented by a variety of utilitarian shapes. The black-and-red ware of the preceding period also continues in this period. The ornaments consist of necklaces composed of beads of chalcedony, agate, carnelian, chert and also lapis lazuli which is used more as a spacer. Disc-shaped ear-studs too are made of these stones as well as of lead and glass. Animal- and bird-shaped amulets [12.1] also come into vogue in this period. Bangles are usually made of conch-shell, sometimes carved with decorative patterns. Ivory bangles, however, are of rare occurrence. Antimony rods [18.1] are made of copper but those of ivory are not wanting; those from NEVASA and NASIK are incised with delicate patterns. Combs [18.3] too are made of ivory. A variety of skinrubbers [18.4] has been found and the noteworthy among them resembles the half of a mango seed. (Even today in rural Maharashtra people use actual mango seeds as skin-rubbers.) A number of tools and weapons of iron comprising knives, daggers, ploughshares and other objects of daily use have been reported from several sites. Iron caltrops [19.3.5] from NASIK are most interesting.