gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, steatite, ancient India

Steatite ornaments have been found all along the different phases of occupation of the sites of Mehrgarh and Nausharo (Indus area) which range from about 7000 to 2000 BC. We show that the emergence of the first glazed beads goes back to the ancient Chalcolithic period (around 4000 BC) and that this use of glaze has undergone some changes during the following two millennia. For the moment we think that the changes that have been observed are only linked to a local evolution of the traditional glazing techniquess rather than to the existence of different workshops.