Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c13.s4.4

v1.c13.s4.4

With one exception, all the seal-amulets from Chanhu-Daro were cut from steatite or from the artificial substance made from it which has already been mentioned. Three seals which are black were once covered with a glossy-white coating like that often present on the seals from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. The substance of eleven seals was dark or light grey, though these had been whitened outside by the same process as that used with the black seals. Of the two yellow seals, one had remains of this same white coating, whereas the other, being unfinished was in its natural state. Two out of three brown steatite seals also had a white slip, the third left untreated. One seal was made of dark grey stone with a gritty feel, a most unusual material. The white slip on similar seal amulets has been examined by Horace Beck, and is stated by him to be an alkali fused by heat. It gave a smooth glossy finish to the seals which greatly enhanced their appearance, and it has withstood the ravages of time excellently. Some of the steatite beads were treated in the same manner. (MCK, 148)