Practicing Success
Harappan seals typically bear a line of writing, possibly indicating the name and title of the owner. The motifs, often depicting animals, are believed to convey meaning to those who could not read. Inscriptions on these seals are generally brief, with the longest containing approximately 26 signs. Although the script remains undeciphered, it is evident that it does not follow an alphabetical system, as it comprises a significant number of signs, estimated to be between 375 and 400. The writing direction appears to be right to left, as indicated by seals exhibiting wider spacing on the right and cramped spacing on the left, suggesting the engraver started from the right and ran out of space. |
According to scholars, what purpose did the animal motifs on Harappan seals serve? |
Decorative elements Indicating the age of the seal Conveying messages to non-readers Identifying the type of goods inside the bag |
Conveying messages to non-readers |
Harappan seals typically bear a line of writing, possibly indicating the name and title of the owner. The motifs, often depicting animals, are believed to convey meaning to those who could not read. Inscriptions on these seals are generally brief, with the longest containing approximately 26 signs. Although the script remains undeciphered, it is evident that it does not follow an alphabetical system, as it comprises a significant number of signs, estimated to be between 375 and 400. The writing direction appears to be right to left, as indicated by seals exhibiting wider spacing on the right and cramped spacing on the left, suggesting the engraver started from the right and ran out of space. |