Ancient Indus Valley Mehrgarh Pottery Female Figures

Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley, Mehrgarh period, ca. 3500 to 2800 BCE. A fabulous ensemble of 10 characteristically abstract Indus Valley females, 6 full figures and 4 torsos, each with a highly stylized avian-esque visage composed of a beak-like aquiline nose, impressed circular eyes, and no mouth. All 5 for the full figures are seated. The majority present slender waists that trace up to ample breasts held aloft beneath bent or stubbed arms and square shoulders, each flanking a set of collar necklaces. Though nude, all are adorned with veils or headdresses. Bird-faced figurines like these examples are found throughout the region. Most female figures found by largely male archaeologists of the late 19th and early 20th century CE were immediately given the title of "fertility idol," but more recent interpretations suggest that these figures probably had much more nuanced and varied symbolism. Size of largest: 1.75" W x 5.875" H (4.4 cm x 14.9 cm)

Provenance: private San Diego, California, USA collection, acquired around 2000

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#162685
Condition Report: Collection number inscribed on 9 figures and collection label on 1 figure. In order of photo: Top row: first & third missing arms and bodies below breasts, fourth missing arms and body from hips down, fifth repaired from two pieces and missing proper left hand. Second row: first has head, neck, and breasts restored from new material, second missing bottom half of proper left arm, third has head reattached, fifth has left arm reattached and missing left foot. All have expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, nice with light earthen deposits throughout.