Shortugai
Shortugai, in Darqad District of northern Afghanistan, was a trading colony of the Indus Valley Civilization established around 2000 BC on the Oxus river near the lapis lazuli mines. It is considered to be the northernmost settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Trading post
The IVC site at Shortugai was a trading post of Harappan times and it seems to be connected with lapis lazuli mines located in the surrounding area. It also might have connections with tin trade and camel trade, along with other Afghan valuables. There are archaeologists who raise the issue of the absence of coinage and of an agreed decipherment despite the extensive trade networks controlled and operated by the settlement.Excavation site
Excavation site consists of two hills called "Site A" and "Site B" by the excavators. One of these sites was the ancient IVC town, the other one was the citadel. Each of these is about 2 hectares large.Artifact findings
The Shortugai site was discovered in 1976 and, since then, excavators were able to find carnelian and lapis lazuli beads, bronze objects, terracotta figurines. Other typical finds of the Indus Valley Civilization include one seal with a short inscription and a rhinoceros motif, clay models of cattle with carts and painted pottery. Pottery with Harappan design, jars, beakers, bronze objects, gold pieces, lapis lazuli beads, other types of beads, drill heads, shell bangles etc. are other findings. Square seals with animal motifs and script confirms this as a site belonging to Indus Valley Civilisation.Bricks had typical Harappan measurements.