Investigations into the ancient stone and metal trade networks of the Indus Civilization

Speaker: Prof. Randall Law

Abstract: The Indus Civilization (ca. 2600-1900 BC) was one of the most geographically extensive societies in the ancient world, covering an area that encompassed large swaths of what is modern-day Pakistan and northwestern India. By identifying the geologic sources of the highly varied types of stone and metal artifacts found at Indus settlements, it is possible to gain significant insights into the trade and communication networks that bound peoples across this vast area and connected them to other societies located outside of the Indus realm. A 25-year investigation into this topic has involved the extensive sampling of potential stone and metal sources, the utilization of advanced methods of geologic characterization, and the analysis of thousands of artifacts from dozens of archaeological sites. Among the luxury goods examined were jewelry items made from carnelian, lapis lazuli, silver and steatite. Utilitarian materials studied include tools made from copper, chert and various types of grinding stone. In this presentation, I will discuss the complex and often surprising picture Indus Civilization stone and metal trade networks that had begun to emerge from this line of research.