Lot 47A
Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley, Mehrgarh culture, ca. 3500 to 2800 BCE. A splendid, hand-built pottery female fertility idol of a characteristically abstract form with slender limbs, a corseted waistline beneath globular breasts, and a pectoral decorated with applied orange pigment. The elongated head features a pair of large, impressed eyes, a petite nose above full lips, and a tall forehead framed with a dark coiffure and a lighter headwrap. The cream-hued surfaces of the figure imbue it with an uncomplicated and attractive presentation. Size: 4.25" H (10.8 cm)
Figurines of women are perhaps the most plentiful of the figurines in the Indus Valley. The reason for this is unknown, but some researchers have proposed that women were particularly revered in that society, perhaps relating to their roles as mothers. Studies of burial sites at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa have shown that a man was often buried with his wife's family. The female figurines are easily distinguished by a curving, pear-shaped body with large protruding breasts. The effect of these female figurines is two-fold: it emphasizes the beauty, and phallic/sexual nature of the female; but at the same time, cherishes the nurturing, motherly nature of the female. The figurines of the women tend to also be heavily ornamented.
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignors location. All information regarding condition, size, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2004
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#190257
- Condition: Restoration to lower half as is common with most of these. It is assumed these were ceremonially killed and placed into tombs.
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| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |