Dancing girl (-2700/-2100) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
Questions, questions, questions
Who is this girl? Why is she dancing? Why was she sculpted and by who? She’s been referred to by archeologists as ‘the most captivating piece of art from an Indus site’. But this magnificent bronze artifact throws up a lot of questions. Look closely and we might just be able to come up with a few answers.
The girl in the sculpture is naked, with long arms and legs. She is standing in a confident and natural pose and made with considerable skill. There is little doubt this is both a work of art as well as an important historical artifact. So, what do we know about its origins and meaning?
By Larry BurrowsLIFE Photo Collection
Some answers
The piece was discovered by British archeologist Ernest Mackay in the area of Mohenjo-daro in 1926. It was one of two bronze artworks found at the same site, and shows a more naturalistic pose than the other more formal piece. The girl stands with hand on hip, wearing about 25 bangles on her left arm and 4 on her right.
Dancing girl (-2700/-2100) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
The tilted head, slightly bent knees and right arm resting on her hip suggest a dancing pose, hence the name. In her other hand she appears to be holding a bowl.
Cul Asia India Indus Civilization Mohenjo Daro HarappaLIFE Photo Collection
The lack of clothing and confident stance make this a very unusual and unique find for the prehistoric Indus region. The discovery also tells us a lot about the Harrapan civilization in which she was made. First, it's clear they knew metal blend casting and other sophisticated metallurgy processes. Second, the statue was made using lost wax casting techniques that show a real expertise in bronze work, especially for the time.
More interestingly, recovered pieces of contemporary pottery from the Bhirrana site in India have shown images of the same dancing girl. It’s clear that these potters had knowledge of the dancing girl, or that this image itself was well known at the time over a wide area.
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Can you find the 'Dancing Girl'?
It's obvious that this 6 inch (15cm) tall statue had some importance for the Harrapan people. But we can only guess at her exact identity and position in society. Today, Dancing Girl resides in the National Museum of Delhi. Why not have a look round and see if you can find her?
By Larry BurrowsLIFE Photo Collection
Has 'Dancing Girl' got you grooving?
Then you can find out more about the Indus Valley and its early civilizations here.
