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Embodying Indus Life

Mask/amulet from Harappa

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 small and has two holes on each side of the face that would have allowed it to be attached to a puppet or worn, possibly as an amulet or as a symbolic mask. The combination of different animal features creates the effect of a fierce composite animal. As an amulet or a symbolic mask, it may represent the practice of magic or ritual transformation in Indus society.

Approximate dimensions (W x H(L) x D): 4.9 x 5.2 x 2.5 cm.

Animal Figurines
Feline
Masks
Amulet
Harappa
Photograph
Richard H. Meadow
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