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Bricks, Beads And Bones
Briefly describe the stages of classification of discoveries in reconstructing the past.
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Describe how archaeologists classify their finds.
for the reconstruction of the past archaeologist first have to excavate and discover artefacts. However the main issue emerges after finding the artefacts. Which leads to the issue of classification.
1. classifiacation according to their materials- this part is easy, because only thing to be done is see what artefacts are made of and classify it, for example, stones, clay, ivory , metals etc.
2. Second and more complex classification is based on the function of artefacts. For example, archaeologists have to decide whether an artefact is a tool or an ornament. And there are chances that some artefacts can be both.
Thus for understanding the Function of Artefact archaeologist looks at :
(i) Its resemblance with present day things like querns, beads, pots, stone blades etc.
(ii) Archaeologists try to understand function of artefact in the context in which it was found. For example, whether it was found in the house, or in grave, in kiln etc
iii. Indirect Evidences: Many a times archaeologists have to take help of indirect evidences. For example pieces of cotton have been found at some Harappan sites, even then we have to take help of indirect evidences, like pictures or statues, to know about the clothing. Assumptions have been made, regarding clothing by using indirect evidences.
iv.To develop frames of references: Many a times archaeologists have to develop frames of reference. For example the first Harappan seal could not be understood till archaeologists had a context in which it was found and in terms of a comparison with finds in Mesopotamia.
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Would you agree that the drainage system in Harappan cities indicates town planning? Give reasons for your answer.
List the material used to make beads in the Harappan Civilisation. Describe the process by which one kind of bead was made.
Look at following fig. and describe what you see. How is the body placed? What are the objects placed near it? Are there any artefacts on the body? Do these indicate the sex of the skeleton?
Fig. A Harappan Burial
Describe some of the distinctive features of Mohenjodaro.
List the raw materials required for craft production in the Harappan Civilisation and discuss how these might have been obtained.
Discuss how archaeologists reconstruct the past.
Discuss the functions that may have been performed by rulers in Harappan society.
On given map, use a pencil to circle sites where evidence of agriculture has been recovered. Mark an X against sites where there is evidence of craft production and R against sites where raw materials were found.
Find out if there are any museums in your town. Visit one of them and write a report on any ten items, describing how old they are, where they were found and why you think they are on display.
Collect illustrations of ten things made of stone, metal and clay produced and used at present. Compare these with the pictures of the Harappan civilisation in this chapter, and discuss the similarities and differences that you find.
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