Figurines
A collection of terra cotta figurines of humans and animals from recent excavations at Harappa.
Harappa Archaeological Research Project.
Feline figurine from Harappa
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
Two feline figurines from Harappa
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 8.2
Feline figurine with "coffee bean" eyes from Harappa
It has been suggested that some feline figurines have anthropomorphic facial features. While features such as "coffee bean" eyes are unusual, the facial features of many animal figurines are stylized.
Bear figurine from Harappa
The Asiatic bear with its large round ears and elongated snout sometimes sits with its front paws on its rear legs, the same posture that is depicted in some figurines.
Monkey figurine from Harappa
Monkeys are also still found in South Asia, both in the wild and as pets. A few of the Indus figurines represent uniquely primate postures, such as a monkey sitting with its long arms and hands held on either side of its head.
Approximate dimensions
Hare? figurine from Harappa
Some animal figurines with long ears, especially those with the ears laid back against round hollow bodies, have been identified as hares. One animal figurine with long ears laid back above a small solid body may also represent a hare.
Turtle figurine from Harappa
Several turtle figurines have been found at Harappa, some with few defined features and others with clearly delineated shells and other features.
Dog figurine with a collar from Harappa
Some texts from ancient Mesopotamia mention imports received from the land of "Meluhha", widely considered a reference to the Indus Civilization. Among these imports, according to some interpretations, is a colored dog.
"Begging dog" figurine from Harappa
The somewhat schematic "begging dog" figurine on a circular base holds its front paws in front of its body, a posture that is commonly associated with dogs.