Mehrgarh field reports 1975 to 1985, from the Neolithic to the Indus civilization

Jarrige, Catherine; Jarrige, Jean-François; Kenoyer, Jonathan, M.; Meadow, Richard H.; Quivron, Gonzague; Akhund, Hameed; Haroon, Hameed; Russell, Nerissa; Vaughan, Patrick C.; Vandiver, Pamela B.; Wright, Rita P.

Mehrgarh field reports 1975 to 1985, from the Neolithic to the Indus civilization

Dept. of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of Sindh ; in collaboration with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs • [Karachi] • Published In 1995 • Pages:

By: Jarrige, Catherine, Jarrige, Jean-François, Kenoyer, Jonathan, M., Meadow, Richard H., Quivron, Gonzague, Akhund, Hameed, Haroon, Hameed, Russell, Nerissa, Vaughan, Patrick C., Vandiver, Pamela B., Wright, Rita P..

Abstract
This document contains the field reports from each of the eleven field seasons at the site of Mehrgarh without any editing to make a cohesive document; only footnotes have been added. This means 'the reader will note changes in interpretation as well as repetitions that would be surprising in an integrated monograph … We have preferred not to modify these texts in order that they retain their character as a true journal of the work as it developed. In this way one can better understand the reasons that brought us to modify certain of our first hypotheses and to orient our research in new directions.' (page 51). The site of Mehrgarh extends from the Neolithic Period up into the Early Harappan Period, but only the data that pertain to the Neolithic Period (Periods I and II) were indexed for OCM (Outline of Cultural Materials) codes. The Neolithic strata at Mehrgarh were not found until the third season of excavation. These strata, found in the MR.3/4 and 6 sondages, were then extensively explored from the third season until the eleventh and final season. At Mehrgarh one finds the beginings of ceramic technology from a course temper-ware pottery with basketry impressions up through a fine red ware. Early domestication of sheep, goats and cattle can be seen at Mehrgarh along with early cereals that show only slight domestication (especially barley). Numerous Neolithic burials have also been found. There is evidence for hide preparation areas where ochre was used and bone tool manufacture and the manufacture of shell ornaments. Similarites between Mehrgarh and early Neolithic sites in Iran and Afghanistan point to regular interaction with other cultures. And finally, one of the more surprising finds in these large Neolithic settlements are large compartmented, storage facilities that indicate a rather complex social organization.

Bone, horn, and shell technology