An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c24.s2.8

v1.c24.s2.8

*19.2.3 Anthropomorphic figures.* Of these bafflingly unique objects there are seven specimens; three each from BISAULI and FATEHGARH and one from SHEORAJPUR. Their purpose is not known but it is quite probable that they were an all-purpose tool. The curved ‘arms’, deliberately sharpened, could be used for cutting purposes. The comparatively long and blunt ‘legs’ might have served as a grip. Since they are very heavy, some as heavy as 5 kg or even more, they might have proved deadly when hurled from close quarters. The intentionally blunted ‘head’, hammered into a flanged ridge, is suitable for breaking the skulls of animals and enemies (Gordon, 1958, p. 137). D.P. Agrawal, 1971, p. 200, has also suggested that they might have been used as missiles. [A ritualistic significance of these objects has been suggested and cannot be ruled out easily. If a heavy metal object was necessary to kill an enemy or an animal, such elaborate moulding was hardly necessary.]