Mother Goddess Figurine - Early Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3000 Bc)

Mother Goddess Figurine
Early Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3500 - 2800 BCE)

Handmade pottery, 140 mm x 45 mm, 60 g

Provenance:
Prince Collection, 1990s-2014;
Pierre Bergé Collection
Private collection, UK

This piece has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a historical report by Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.

The figurine presented here, dating from the early Indus Valley Civilization, is a fascinating example of ancient art from this region. Representing a mother goddess, it illustrates the religious beliefs and practices of the time. The elongated and stylized silhouette, with a dramatically tapered waistline, showcases the craftsmanship of artisans from this period. The slender arms projecting from rounded shoulders, along with the abstract, elongated head featuring annular impressed eyes, a prominent nose, and a tall forehead framed by hair, highlight a distinctive and unique style.

The mother goddess holding a baby in front of her symbolizes fertility and maternal protection, recurring themes in ancient art. The creamy beige pigment that envelops the figurine adds an authentic touch, consistent with similar objects found in this region.

Artifacts from the Indus Valley, such as this figurine, are essential for understanding the social and religious dynamics of the time. They offer valuable insights into the craftsmanship techniques and materials used by the ancient people of this flourishing civilization. The comparison with a similar piece housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 2001.305) reinforces the historical and artistic value of this object.

In summary, this mother goddess figurine is not only an archaeological artifact but also a poignant testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of the ancient inhabitants of the Indus Valley.