Exploring the Indus through its artifacts This shows the sphere of influence of the Indus river valley civilization and specific sites where settlements have been found. Purpose of this slide show is to look at items discovered at these sites. (most from harappa, and mohenjodaro.) By looking at the objects we can learn a lot about the people who made them and the way they lived. This is the only way to really understand this ancient culture because no one has been able to decipher their system of writing.

These are seals. Animals on them, Rhino, elephant, water buffalo, either unicorn or bull. Where might these seals be used? (ownership, to agree to a deal, artist signature)

Games from ancient India. Dice and ball/puzzle game.

What is this? Chess game same rules that we have today. Tells us what about the people? (like to play games, strategy) ****second click will bring up a modern chess board.

Toy wagon Two things that this shows us. They produced toys for their children to play with. It also shows what their wagons were like and how they were pulled. ****second click will bring up a modern remote control car.

Another example of toy wagon. Note his one has great detail includes pottery, man The wagon has small holes for the posts.

Back Modern day picture from India that has both a wagon similar to those just seen. Also has a boat that the next slide sill show a toy of. *** Hitting back will take the show back two slides if you want to examine the two toy wagons again and compare with the one from this picture.

What is this? back Toy Boat Take many guesses about this. If no one guesses that this is a toy boat tell them that it was in the last picture. ****Whether they can guess at this point or not, hit back to go back and see a modern boat that resembles this toy. Students will be able to see that for many people of India the boat and wagon have not changed in 4000 years. Ask students about something we use today that hasn’t changed much over the years. back

Animal figurines Could be toys or art. Tell us what animals were around at this time and from that we can determine what the land and climate were like. (hot climate possibly jungle) ****second click will bring up a modern animal figurine that sells for 20$

Stacking game? What are possible rules to this game? A game for poorer people instead of chess?

What are these? Weights Take many guesses to what these are. These are standardized weights. Shows that in some cases precise weights were important. What instances can you think of where weights may be important?

This a grave that shows items buried with the dead. See if anyone notices the baby. Custom is similar to what other ancient society?

Pottery Decorative, natural designs People of the Indus were very skilled at pottery. These were found in a grave.

Raised plate Take guesses as to what this is and why students think so. Plate (possible serving plate). What are the benefits of having your food higher off the table?

Sacred vessels These are vessels that held sacred water used to heal the sick and in ceremonies. These are natural shells that have been carved. (spiral and lines around the opening are not natural.) Shows shells were present and were considered important.

What are these? Drinking cups These are cups believed to be used only once. What reason is there for putting the ridges on the sides? (easier to hold) Pointed bottoms due to mass production (easier to form and bake) Cannot put them down if they are full. ****a second click brings up a similar item from today, a plastic cup.

Pot and plate made from bronze and copper. Who would have had these types of items? (wealthy) Shows that they knew how to make things out of bronze and copper. This occurred fairly early in terms of other cultures developing this skill.

What are these? Whistles Take many guesses as to what these are and reasons why students think this. These are whistles used for making music or as a signal. ****second click will bring up a high tech whistle created to be heard over a hurricane or tornado.

Jewelry Shows what the people wore, considered pretty, considered valuable. Bangles - most popular found in great quantity at the sights necklaces belts pins earings

What are these? Hair Beads Take guesses as to what these are. (note the size fairly small.) These are beads that were worn by important men in their hair as a status symbol. ****second click will bring up Serena Williams, she and her sister Venus often wear similar beads in their hair today.

The great bath. Not sure if a common water supply, bath, or a place to hold sacred water.

Indoor Private bath This is a second story bathroom. The hole is used for drainage. Ancient India had the first sewer systems in the world.

What is this? Well This is not a tower. It is a well. What is the reason it is so high? Sediments continually built up and buried parts of the buildings. Important structures like wells had to be continually built up so they could be accessed.

Not really sure. Take many guesses as to what these are. Legend says these are the rings of giants. Currently scientists believe that they were used to hold up wooden posts in certain buildings.

What in the World?!! What are these things? Scientists are not even sure. Ask the students what these are and why they think so. Possibilities weights, writing instruments, used in working hides, sewing,