Unicorn seal
Also called: Unicorn motif, One-horned animal · Topic: Harappan (Sindhu-Sarasvati) Civilisation · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 6 "The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation"; Class 12, Ch 1 "Bricks, Beads and Bones"
Meaning
The unicorn seal is the most common type of Harappan seal. It shows a one-horned animal standing before a stand-like object, with a line of script above. Most such seals are made of steatite. Seals were pressed on clay to make sealings, which closed bags of goods in transit. An unbroken sealing showed the goods were untouched and told who sent them. The "unicorn" is probably a mythical, made-up animal, and its meaning is unknown.
Example
Many unicorn seals have been found at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, from the Mature Harappan phase (c. 2600–1900 BCE). The script may give the owner's name or title. The animal picture may have helped people who could not read.
Don't confuse with
- "Proto-Shiva" seal: shows a cross-legged figure surrounded by animals, which some link to religion. The unicorn seal shows a single one-horned animal.