Unknown language #18

[This is a guest post by John Mock]

Query about inscription on crystal from Afghanistan.

Face 1 (actual and reverse):

Face 2 (actual and reverse):

Face 3 (actual and reverse):

Face 4 (actual and reverse):

Face 5 (actual and reverse):

Face 6 (actual and reverse):

The crystal in the photographs was purchased in Afghanistan in the 1970s and is now held in a private collection, the owner of which sent the photo images and asked for help in identifying the script. 

The crystal bears inscriptions on 5 of 6 sides.  On the sixth side is what may be a symbol.  It bears no discernible resemblance to the 5 inscriptions. 

I do not recognize the script.  Its angularity may suggest a form of runic script, but that is just a guess. It does not appear to me to be an Indic script.

On 4 of the inscribed sides, the size of the characters are the same and on one side, the size of the characters is substantially larger. 

I have arbitrarily numbered the faces, which proceed clockwise; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.  Face 4, which is opposite the face with the "symbol", is the face with the larger (and fewer) characters. 

My speculation is that the "symbol", i.e., face 1, might identify where the inscription begins (if it is a continuous or linked inscription). The large character face, i.e., face 4, which is opposite face 1, the "symbol" face, might be a name.  But this is mere speculation. 

Any informed insight would be appreciated.

Selected readings

• "Unknown language #17" (5/2/24)
• "On the etymology of the title Tham of Burusho kings" (5/17/20)