Sculptures of Harappan civilization

The arts of the Indus Valley civilization is one of the world’s first civilizations. There are many civilization sites where the discoveries of sculptures, gold jewellery, ceramics, terracotta figurines as well as other types of art have taken place. 

The art of Harappan civilization consisted of human and extremely lifelike animal forms. The modelling of figures was done with utmost caution not even to commit a minor mistake. 

The major materials used to create sculptors of the Harappan civilization were: Stone, Bronze, Clay, Terracotta, etc.

Metal Sculptures or Lost-Wax Technique of Harappan civilization

The Harappan artisans employed the lost wax procedure while sculpting figurines. This means coating the wax idols with clay. The ‘Dancing Girl’ bronze statue that belongs to Mohen-jo-Daro is notable. The statue displays a female dancer who got her one arm covered with ivory or bone bangles. Also, the female dancer is ramped up with necklaces. The major characteristics of this work are braided hair, flat nose, wide eyes, head tilted back, etc. The other metal sculptures made during this period were bronze figurines of a humped bull. 

Stone Sculptures of Harappan civilization 

Along with bronze, several specimens of stone sculptures were designed during the Harappan civilization. Two male statues deserve a special mention. Also, the Harappan civilization consists of the statues of the ‘Bearded Man’ and ‘Human Torso’. 

Terracotta Sculpture of Harappan Civilization

Terracotta art was also practised by the people living in the Indus Valley. One of the significant terracotta sculptures of Harappan civilization is the figure of the Mother Goddess discovered in Mohenjo-Daro. The figure consists of beautiful features of the body and a punched nose. The figure speaks about the concept of the Mother Goddess as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. During the Harappan civilization, Terracotta seals were also manufactured. These terracotta seals included the carvings of peepal leaves, female figurines with the shapes of deities, and animals. Some of these terracotta seals also displayed a harp-like musical instrument. This confirms the availability of stringed musical instruments utilized in the Harappan Civilization.

Animal Sculptures of Harappan Civilization:

Animal sculptures were also found during the Harappan civilization. Animals such as elephants were positioned at a special place in India’s life and artistic tradition. Elephants were crafted to make the ceremonial entrances in places like monasteries, palaces, forts, and old temples.

Like elephants, another animal found in Harappan civilization recognized for its sculptural appearance is ‘Nandi’. Nandi is known as the ‘vahana’ of Lord Shiva. The presence of the statue of Nandi at the entrance of the ‘Garbha Griha’ of every temple dedicated to Shiva is the witness of a close relationship between Shiva and Nandi. 

Pottery in Harappan Civilization:

Along with the metal, stone, bronze, and terracotta sculptures, pottery is also famous. During the Harappan civilization, two types of pottery are found near the excavation site. The categories are named Plain pottery and painted pottery. 

Plain Pottery

Plain pottery was used for household purposes, mainly for the storage of water and grains. Plain pottery was crafted for household purposes. The plain potteries were not very expensive, and they were probably utilized by the lower class. 

Painted pottery

Painted pottery was also called Red and Black Pottery.

The background of these kinds of pottery is red, and glossy black colour is used to create designs. Animal figures, geometric patterns, and tree designs were found on painted pottery. 

Some potteries had huge holes on the bottom and small holes across the sides. These potteries are called Perforated potteries.

Conclusion 

The art and craft of Harappan civilization are extraordinary. The Harappan artisans used different tools like metal, stone, bronze, terracotta to craft excellent sculptures. All the sculptures are really good and display the great skills of the artisans. The artisans of the Harappan civilization used a technique named the lost-wax technique to design bronze sculptures. Sculptures such as Dancing girl, bearded man, human torso, musical instruments, elephants, Shiva and Nandi are the notable sculptures of the Harappan civilization. Along with sculptures, pottery was also done during the Harappan civilization. Pottery was categorized into two types, namely Plain pottery and painted pottery.