A Stone Bead Production Complex from the Beginning of the Indus Civilization at Chanhu-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan)

Abstract

Between 2016 and 2020, a massive stone bead workshop associated to dwelling units was discovered at Chanhu-daro site (Trench 2 and 3) and dated to the first period of the Indus Civilization (2600/2500-2300 BCE). A huge amount of different raw materials (e.g. flint, steatite, agate, carnelian, jasper, ernestite) was processed and debitage wastes of both knapping and cutting activities were identified. Tools for manufacturing, perforating or polishing the stone beads (e.g. blades, drills/borers, polishers, hammers, pressure flaker) - some of them unique and exceptionally preserved – were found together. Several beads roughouts, preforms, and finished products were also documented. For the first time (so-far) contextualized data about an intensive craft production from the first Indus period will be discussed. The evidence found at Chanhu-daro site will help reconstructing the whole stone beads manufacturing processes and investigating the related technical system.