“A weighing unit made of crystal quartz was found in the 9th phase of the excavations in Keeladi,” said R. Sivanandam, Joint Director, Department of Archaeology.
Explained | The significance of the findings in Keeladi
He said it was the first time a crystal quartz had been unearthed in Keeladi. It was found at a depth of 175 cm in the quadrant XM19/3.
“It is somewhat spherical in shape with the top and base of a sphere cut off and made flat and has ä smooth surface. It is transparent in nature,” Mr. Sivanandam explained.
It measures 2 cm in diametre, 1.5 cm in height and 8 gm in weight. It is noted that this antiquity was found along with terracotta hopscotch, iron nail, black-and-red ware and red slipped ware.
The excavation also yielded a fragment of a snake figurine made of terracotta. The eyes and mouth of the snake were intricately carved. This handmade-earthen figure has a red slip with a rough surface and is 6.5 cm long, 5.4 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick.
