The Indus Civilization c6.30

c6.30

The goat always occupies a secondary position on the seals, and may therefore have represented a minor deity. In more than one example it is closely connected with a tree spirit, and when such representations are clear enough, it is seen to possess a human face (Pl. M, 8). It has always been a favourite animal in India for sacrificial purposes, for its curious habit of shivering when sprinkled with water is considered a favourable omen for sacrifice, and it may perhaps have been so used by the inhabitants of the Indus valley. In many countries the goat is connected with a god or goddess of fertility, and it is not unlikely that the goddess in the tree on the amulets of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa was connected with fertility. This animal must have been held in some importance in the Indus valley, for its horns appear on a male figurine of a deity, as well as being worn by the tiger-goddess already described.