Researchers from the Harappan Civilisation Research Project, a joint initiative of the University of Cambridge, the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Sindh and the National Museum of India, used a range of scientific techniques, including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyse ancient pottery from the site of Harappa.
LIBS and ICP-MS allowed the researchers to identify the chemical composition of the pottery, including the presence of trace elements such as strontium, neodymium and ytterbium. These elements can provide information about the geological source of the raw materials used to make the pottery, as well as the temperature at which it was fired.
The results of the analysis suggest that the pottery was produced using a variety of raw materials, including local clays and clays imported from other regions. The pottery was also fired at different temperatures, indicating that there was a degree of variation in the production process.
The findings also shed light on the cultural exchange between the Indus Valley Civilisation and other regions. The presence of pottery made from imported clays suggests that the Indus Valley Civilisation had trade links with other parts of South Asia and beyond. This is supported by the discovery of Indus Valley pottery at sites in Mesopotamia and the Gulf.
The research provides new insights into the production methods and cultural exchange within the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. It demonstrates the potential of scientific techniques, such as LIBS and ICP-MS, to enhance our understanding of ancient civilisations.
