Script and non scriptsof IVC

[Guest guest]

Indo-Eurasian_research , " Mark Passehl "

<mpassehl wrote:

 

Dear Group,

 

As an Harappan ignoramus (in any detail) I'm enjoying

all the discussion of the unusual aspects of the IV culture,

especially what is missing from your typical bronze or iron-age

civilization in contrast to the amazing technological and engineering

feats.

I think that there are objective criteria for what constitutes a

civilization

and that script and writing are definitely among them, if only

because

they pertain (ultimately) to the development and enrichment of the

psychic or inner life of the individual, and because all real

civilizations

have a tendency (with many twists and turns and detours along the

way)

to promote the life quality and experience of the individual.

So far the communities depicted seem to be composed of regularly

intoxicated pacifist matriarchal clans of engineering students and

professionals (something observable at most universities, but

inconceivable as the basis for a functioning society).

But another feature of all true civilisations doesn't seem to have

been mentioned yet; fine art, which should be attestable from the

remains of musical instruments and wall paintings at the least.

John Hill's mention of aspects of Australian Aboriginal semiotics in

their

art reminded me of the incredible diversity and power of aboriginal

painting. Not much of it appeals to my personal tastes, but there is

no

denying its advanced artistic qualities; e.g. great mastery of and

experimentation with colour and colour combinations, diversity in

and development of strong styles, and diversity of subject matter.

Similar things seem to be true of European stone-age cave art,

although

the aboriginals in Australia painted on everything, especially wood

and

rocks and stone of every size and dimension, and their own bodies.

Therefore, what survives from Harappa and the IV culture in terms of

the

fine arts and painting in particular ? Or must it be classified as

a hippie

engineering faculty culture (a HEFC) ?

 

Regards,

Mark K.P.