Seal with Unicorn and Inscription
Unknown Artist
c. 2000 BCE
Medium
steatite
Dimensions
3.5 × 3.6 cm
Classification
Seals
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1973.161
About this artwork
Indus Valley seals appear to have been hung on a string that passed through a boss on the reverse side. This animal, carved with detailed markings around his neck and forequarters, has his head positioned over an object on a stand that may be interpreted as an altar or brazier or censer; it is not known whether it is for offerings to or sacrifice of the animal.