Many believe the first concrete representation of yoga comes from present-day Pakistan.
Found in the Indus Valley Civilization (2500-1500 BCE), the discovery of the Pasupathi Seal
surfaced in the late 1920s. The low relief clay stamp depicts an individual seated in a posture,
surrounded by animals. Branding goods from the ancient Indian valley made
them distinguishable when trading with the Near Eastern civilizations of Egypt and
Mesopotamia.1 In addition to labeling market products, the logos offered a pictorial glimpse into
the culture from which the goods came. It is fascinating that the northern Indian community
deliberately selected the iconic image of a seated posture for a marketing logo. Is it possible the
seal is the oldest example of the region self-identifying with the practice of yoga? Unfortunately,
conclusive deciphering of the writing system of the Indus Valley is still in progress, and a
complete understanding of the meaning behind the form is yet to be determined.