Animal Figurines

Tiny cloven hoof made of two-color faience probably from a composite figurine. This cloven hoof could represent any number of animals, but the most common in the Harappan artistic repertoire are cattle and water buffalo (H2000-4440/2121-90, Mound E,… >

Among the dangerous wild animals represented in the figurine corpus are large wild felines. One feline figurine with punctuate designs on the face (possibly representing spots) and an open mouth showing teeth is a relatively naturalistic representat… >

One type of wheeled figurine has lateral holes for the axles through the ends of the legs. Approximate dimensions (W x H(L) x D): 3.6 x 11.0 x 7.5 cm. >

Terra cotta figurine of a dog with a projecting collar. This type of collar is today often used on fighting dogs to protect their throats (H2000-4968/2165-52, Mound E, Trench 54). >

Many of the feline figurines are depicted with collars around their necks (as with the rhinoceros). Rather than indicating that these large cats were tame, this symbol of domestication may have been used in rituals of sympathetic magic to obtain a s… >

Loosely included under the rubric of terracotta "figurines" are the terracotta masks found at some Harappan sites. One mask clearly has a feline face with an open mouth with exposed fangs, a beard, small round ears and upright bovine horns. It is sm… >

Collection of human and animal figurines from a large refuse dump in a pit in Trench 43. >

Other feline figurines with large round ears and beards may represent tigers or lions. They are often depicted either standing or lying down with their legs extended to one side. Approximate dimensions (W x H(L) x D) of the larger figurine: 3.3 x… >

The appropriation of animal attributes can be accomplished through such paraphernalia as masks/amulets and other objects that can be attached to a costume. Several large terracotta water buffalo horns with incised lines on the horns have been found … >

Terracotta figurines have long been considered toys, often without question. Other objects such as carts, wheels, and charpoi (cots) made of terracotta at a similar scale may reinforce this interpretation for at least some of the terracotta figurine… >