Researchers uncovered 17 carved specimens on tortoise shells, stones, and pottery at Kahu-Jo-Darro (6600-6200 BC), divided into proto-writing, stamp marks, and counting symbols. Yellow-margined box turtles were buried in pairs beside the deceased, some engraved with symbols. The composite proto-writing strokes seem to record events — fascinating!
17 carved symbols found on tortoise shells at Kahu-Jo-Darro, dated 6600-6200 BC
Pakistanunverified
Key facts
- Archaeologists uncovered 17 specimens with similar carvings on tortoise shells, stones, and pottery
- Symbols are divided into three categories: proto-writing (9 examples), stamp/seal marks (3 examples), and counting symbols (5 examples)
- Proto-writing symbols are composite structures with multiple strokes appearing to record matters or events
- Stamp marks were inscribed on a stone pigment block, a deep-bellied pottery basin rim, and a pottery pendant/weight
- Counting symbols consist of one or two horizontal or vertical strokes resembling pottery incised symbols at Banpo and Jiangzhai
- Turtle shells were identified as yellow-margined box turtles, deliberately buried as grave goods containing stones and bearing engraved symbols
- Shells were placed in pairs beside the deceased in burials
Site mentioned
Sources
shufa.pku.edu.cn
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