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Three ancient Indus objects
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Three terra cotta objects with both human and animal features
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Three terra cotta objects that combine human and animal features. These objects may have been used to tell stories in puppet shows or in ritual performances.
On the left is a seated animal figurine with female head. The manner of sitting suggests that this may be a feline, and a hole in the base indicates that it would have been raised on a stick as a standard or puppet. The head is identical to those seen on female figurines with a fan shaped headdress and two cup shaped side pieces. The choker with pendant beads is also common on female figurines.
Material: terra cotta
Dimensions: 7.1 cm height, 4.8 cm length, 3.5 cm width
Harappa, 2384 Harappa Museum, HM 2082 Vats 1940: 300, pl. LXXVII, 67
In the center is a miniature mask of horned deity with human face and bared teeth of a tiger. A large mustache or divided upper lip frames the canines, and a flaring beard adds to the effect of rage. The eyes are defined as raised lumps that may have originally been painted. Short feline ears contrast with two short horns similar to a bull rather than the curving water buffalo horns. Two holes on either side allow the mask to be attached to a puppet or worn as an amulet.
Material: terra cotta
Dimensions: 5.24 height, 4.86 width
Harappa
Harappa Museum, H93-2093
Meadow and Kenoyer, 1994
On the right is a feline figurine with male human face. The ears, eyes and mouth are filled with black pigment and traces of black are visible on the flaring beard that is now broken. The accentuated almond shaped eyes and wide mouth are characteristic of the bearded horned deity figurines found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro (no. 122, 123). This figurine was found in a sump pit filled with discarded goblets, animal and female figurines and garbage. It dates to the final phase of the Harappan occupation, around 2000 B. C.
Material: terra cotta Dimensions: 5.5 cm height, 12.4 cm length, 4.3 cm width
Harappa, Lot 5063-1 Harappa Museum, H94-2311 |
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© imagesofasia |
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