Important Notice

UTTAR PRADESH, CIRCA 100 BCE-200 CE
Terracotta
a) 7.75 in (20 cm) high
b) 8.25 in (20.8 cm) high

(Set of two)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from an Important Family Collection

The oldest examples of terracotta sculpture in South Asia date to 3000 BC, and have been found in Mohenjo-Daro in the Sindh region, and Harappa in the Punjab. In the present lot, the two female terracotta figurines were most likely fertility goddesses. Female goddesses were worshipped throughout the ancient world, from Central Europe to Western Asia. Both figurines seen here have heavy ornamentation in the form of elaborate headgear with stamped rosettes, large earrings, chokers, chains, and girdles. Facial features are clearly detailed, and the hair forms thick locks that hang down by the ears. The arms and legs are tapered towards the feet. Both forms are voluptuous, which was considered a sign of fertility.

For similar sculptures, see Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy, "Archaic Indian Terracottas," Marg, Volume VI Number 2, Mumbai: Marg Publications, 1953, p. 22, figs. 5 and 6.

UTTAR PRADESH, CIRCA 100 BCE-200 CE
Terracotta
a) 7.75 in (20 cm) high
b) 8.25 in (20.8 cm) high

(Set of two)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
Property from an Important Family Collection

The oldest examples of terracotta sculpture in South Asia date to 3000 BC, and have been found in Mohenjo-Daro in the Sindh region, and Harappa in the Punjab. In the present lot, the two female terracotta figurines were most likely fertility goddesses. Female goddesses were worshipped throughout the ancient world, from Central Europe to Western Asia. Both figurines seen here have heavy ornamentation in the form of elaborate headgear with stamped rosettes, large earrings, chokers, chains, and girdles. Facial features are clearly detailed, and the hair forms thick locks that hang down by the ears. The arms and legs are tapered towards the feet. Both forms are voluptuous, which was considered a sign of fertility.

For similar sculptures, see Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy, "Archaic Indian Terracottas," Marg, Volume VI Number 2, Mumbai: Marg Publications, 1953, p. 22, figs. 5 and 6.