The Indus Civilization (Cambridge History of India, Supplementary Volume) c17.30

c17.30

From the stone sculptures we turn to those of bronze. These are small "minor" works but include the most remarkable of the authenticated Indus figurines, the dancing-girl from Mohenjo-daro (pl. XVIIB).¹ Without the missing feet and ankles, this charming little statuette is 4½ ins. high; it was found 6 ft. 4 ins. below the surface in a house in HR Area and, though presumably not of the latest period, cannot be regarded as very early. The right hand rests on the hip; the left arm, covered almost entirely with bangles, hangs loosely, and the posture of the legs is easy. The head, provocatively tilted, is a skilful impressionistic rendering of a prognathic "aboriginal" type, with large eyes, flat nose and bunched curly hair; but whether, as has been suspected, a Baluch native is indicated, or whether the derivation is rather from south India, with which the Indus civilization was certainly in contact, is disputable.