Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c14.s4.2

v1.c14.s4.2

The process of preparing seals is fairly clear from the lumps of steatite and partially-cut blocks found at Lothal. A rectangular block of steatite was first sawn to the required size and shape. The second stage was to produce a rough square boss, if the seal was to have one, on the reverse by cutting out with saw the unnecessary portions. The hole for the ring, by which the seal used to be held was bored with the help of bronze drills of the flanged type dipping towards the centre from two sides. The tool used for engraving depended upon the material of the seal. For soft substances like steatite, terracotta and soapstone, engravers of chert, ivory and bone were used. In the case of harder substance such as agate and shell, chisels and engravers of copper and bronze were necessary. (Rao, 307)