gems, archaeology, archaeogemology, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan

This study examines evidence of lapidary (stone-working) craft activity at the Indus Valley site of Moenjodaro, focusing specifically on surface findings from the Moneer South East Area. Triggered by earlier excavations—particularly by N.G. Majumdar and J.H. Mackay—the research considers artefacts such as unfinished beads and waste material to evaluate the extent and organization of semi-precious stone manufacturing. Vidale highlights the spatial concentration of production debris and infrastructure, suggesting the presence of bead-making workshops. The study also draws attention to the complexity of the manufacturing process, including sequential production stages and the reuse of defective items. Findings indicate a sophisticated technological tradition within the broader urban context of the Harappan Civilization and point toward the emergence of specialized craft sectors during the third millennium BC.