Glazed Steatite and Faience Technology at Harappa, Pakistan (>3700–1900 BCE): Technological and Experimental Studies of Production and Variation

Abstract

Excavations at the site of Harappa, Pakistan, have revealed important archaeological evidence for the development of glazed steatite and faience production in the Indus Tradition. This paper will focus on the discoveries of glazed steatite and faience slag from the Ravi Phase occupations (>3700–2800 BCE) and the development of more complex glazing and faience technologies during the subsequent Kot Diji Phase (2800–2600 BCE). The main focus will be on the diverse range of glazed steatite and faience production during the Harappa Phase (2600–1900 BCE). During the Late Harappa Phase (1900–1700 BCE) at the site, there is evidence for continued production of both glazed steatite and faience. The chemical composition and technology of archaeological examples are compared with experimental replicas to better understand the possible stages of production and recipes used to make both glazes and faience. The implications of Harappan glazing and faience for later developments of glass are discussed.