Shell working Industries of the Indus Civilization : A summary

The production and use of marine shell objects during the Mature Indus Civilization (2500-1700 B.C.) is used as a framework within which to analyse developments in technology, regional variation and the stratification of socio-economic systems. Major species of marine mollusca used in the shell industry are discussed in detail and possible ancient shell source areas are identified. Variations in shell artifacts within and between various urban, rural and coastal sites are presented as evidence for specialized production, hierarchical internal trade networks and regional interaction spheres. On the basis of ethnographic continuities, general socio-ritual aspects of shell use are discussed.