Archeology and Metallurgical Technology in Prehistoric Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan1

In: American anthropologist: AA, Volume 69, Issue 2, p. 145-162

Abstract

Recent research in India and Pakistan has greatly increased our knowledge of the Indus Civilization. Geographically the most widely distributed of Old World prehistoric civilizations, its origin and decline are, nevertheless, still little understood. The earliest metallurgical technology, represented in the chalcolithic cultures of Afghanistan and Baluchistan, points to an early connection with Iran. With the later inception of the Indus Civilization, metallurgy, derived apparently from the west, is technically an accomplished craft. Technological processes and typological occurrences of metal objects are discussed. The metal "hoards" of the Ganges‐Jumna are without parallel and are seen as a separate metallurgical tradition within India.