Detailed Religious Scene Seal

One of the most evocative seals from Mohenjo-daro, depicting a deity with horned headdress and bangles on both arms, standing in a pipal (sacred fig) tree and looking down on a kneeling worshiper. A human head rests on a small stool and giant ram and seven figures in procession complete the narrative. Asko Parpola writes "An anthropomorphic figure has knelt in front of a fig tree, with hands raised in respectful salutation, prayer or worship. This reverence suggests the divinity of its object, another anthropomorphic figure standing inside the fig tree. In the ancient Near East, the gods and goddesses, as well as their earthly representatives, the divine kings and queens functioning as high priests and priestesses, were distinguished by a horned crown. A similar crown is worn by the two anthropomorphic figures in the 'fig deity seal. Among various tribal people of India, horned head-dresses are worn by priests on sacrificial occasions." (Deciphering the Indus Script, pp. 256-8.) Mark Kenoyer writes: "In the lower register is a procession of seven robed figures with long braids, short curved head ornaments, and arms covered with bangles. Some scholars identify the attendants as priestesses, but no specific gender is indicated, and lacking examples of female figurines with long braids and single plumed head ornaments, we cannot determine if the procession is comprised of male or female attendants." (Ancient Cities, p. 106).

See also Deity Seal and The Plaides Seal.