Indus Valley Civilization copper anthropomorphic
idols constitute a rare though fine example of
abstract silhouettes of
the human figures, which were created by the
indigenous inhabitants of the Ganges river valley.
Often discovered
together with other implements such as harpoons
and rings, such enigmatic figures were cast in
molds from copper
and then hammered, with the chisel marks often
left easily discernible. It has been suggested that
these idols
functioned as protective guardian spirits.
Such bronze idols belongs to a group of objects
from India published by the well-known
archaeologist Paul Alan Yale,
which he labelled collectively as
“Anthropomorphs”. They are part of the Copper
Hoard culture – a Late Neolithic to
Early Bronze age society that extended from the
Gangetic Plains, across Northern India and was
first detailed in 1822.
They may be divided in several distinct categories
based on their characteristics.
This Idol belongs to the 'Type 1' category,
constituted by semi-circular headed idols, with
curved arms signifying ram’s
horns, standing with spread legs. The distinctive
chisel marks -typical of these artefacts- are
clearly visible. The natural
attractive patina is sign of a prolonged
permanence under the surface of the earth.
