Bull figurine
Terra cotta figurine of a bull from Harappa without a hump. There may have been many species of bulls used in different parts of the Indus valley.
Crouching dog figurine from Harappa
Dogs are also depicted in playful postures, such as one small dog that seems to be crouching with its tail curving up and onto its back.
Approximate dimensions (W x H (L) x D): 1.9 x 3.3 x 2.1 cm.
Ram figurine
Terra cotta ram figurine from Harappa. Such figurines may represent sacrificial animals used in specific annual rituals.
Harappa Archaeological Research Project.
Indus Dog Figurine
Figurine of begging dog with upraised front paws and wearing a beaded collar. The back legs have been shaped into a stand. Hand formed with applique ornaments and eyes.
Material: terra cotta
Dimensions: 7.1 cm height, 3.7 cm length, 2.9 cm width
Turtle figurine
Terra cotta turtle figurine from Harappa.
Harappa Archaeological Research Project.
Animal "puppet" figurine from Harappa
Some terracotta figurines such as the unusual ithyphallic pot-bellied animal figurines with tails and holes through the shoulders for movable arms were probably used as toys or puppets. A few examples also have holes in their bases.
Approximate
Elephant head
Elephant head with stylized wide spread ears. Traces of red and white paint bands are visible on the face. Painting of elephants for ritual processions is a common practice in traditional India and the main colors are red and white.
This figurine may
Body of a figurine with a movable head and tail from Harappa
Another figurine that may have been used as a toy is the quadruped, probably a bovine, with a movable head and tail.
Movable head of a bovine figurine from Harappa
The movable heads of figurines often depict cattle. They are usually pierced laterally through the neck and vertically or sagittally through the head in order to secure them to the bodies and control them with a cord.
Approximate dimensions (W x
Movable head of a bovine figurine from Harappa
Some movable figurine heads are pierced in other places, such as through the horns on either side of the head.
Approximate dimensions (W x H(L) x D): 7.2 x 9.4 x 3.0 cm.