Government of India
Bird on a Wheel
Keywords: Terracotta Toy,
Indus Valley Civilization,
Publisher: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, India.
Description: Historical Significance :- The discovery of terracotta figures and toys is of great value for the Indus Valley Civilization. It throws light on its extent and period and also highlights how this culture catered to the cultural needs of its people, especially children. It has been suggested that the real objects of nature in their miniature forms were made for children or were made by children. The tradition of making such items exists in India even today. Of late the finding of such toys has given rise to the area of research known as the ‘archaeology of childhood’, which seeks to construct the childhood of a particular culture through the analysis of the terracotta findings of that area.
Cultural Significance :- The bird on the wheel is said to be part of the so-called ‘bird-chariots’ of the Bronze Age. They were spread very widely throughout the world as they have been found in places related to the late Bronze Age of Europe, and later even in China, Japan, and Siberia.
Artistic Significance :- The terracotta bird is made flat in shape and has an expanded tail. The eyes have been made by appliqueing pellets on to the head. There are horizontal holes pierced for attaching an axle for wheels. There is also a perforation below the neck to pass a chord by means of which the bird could be drawn. Since it was made of terracotta, it could be easily moulded and baked.
Spiritual Significance :- It has been observed that at times the purposes of terracotta figures have been attributed to cult practices. However, the bird on wheel is clearly for the entertainment of children. Its workmanship also does not propose that it was made by children.
Style :- Harappan
Source: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
Type: Toy
Received From: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
| DC Field | Value |
| dc.coverage.spatial | Harappa, Punjab, Pakistan |
| dc.coverage.temporal | 3200-1500 BC |
| dc.description | Historical Significance :- The discovery of terracotta figures and toys is of great value for the Indus Valley Civilization. It throws light on its extent and period and also highlights how this culture catered to the cultural needs of its people, especially children. It has been suggested that the real objects of nature in their miniature forms were made for children or were made by children. The tradition of making such items exists in India even today. Of late the finding of such toys has given rise to the area of research known as the ‘archaeology of childhood’, which seeks to construct the childhood of a particular culture through the analysis of the terracotta findings of that area. Cultural Significance :- The bird on the wheel is said to be part of the so-called ‘bird-chariots’ of the Bronze Age. They were spread very widely throughout the world as they have been found in places related to the late Bronze Age of Europe, and later even in China, Japan, and Siberia. Artistic Significance :- The terracotta bird is made flat in shape and has an expanded tail. The eyes have been made by appliqueing pellets on to the head. There are horizontal holes pierced for attaching an axle for wheels. There is also a perforation below the neck to pass a chord by means of which the bird could be drawn. Since it was made of terracotta, it could be easily moulded and baked. Spiritual Significance :- It has been observed that at times the purposes of terracotta figures have been attributed to cult practices. However, the bird on wheel is clearly for the entertainment of children. Its workmanship also does not propose that it was made by children. Style :- Harappan |
| dc.source | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai |
| dc.format.extent | 13 x 13.5 x 8.2 cm. |
| dc.format.mimetype | image/jpg |
| dc.publisher | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, India. |
| dc.subject | Terracotta Toy, Indus Valley Civilization, |
| dc.type | Toy |
| dc.format.medium | image |
| dc.format.material | Terracotta |
| DC Field | Value |
| dc.coverage.spatial | Harappa, Punjab, Pakistan |
| dc.coverage.temporal | 3200-1500 BC |
| dc.description | Historical Significance :- The discovery of terracotta figures and toys is of great value for the Indus Valley Civilization. It throws light on its extent and period and also highlights how this culture catered to the cultural needs of its people, especially children. It has been suggested that the real objects of nature in their miniature forms were made for children or were made by children. The tradition of making such items exists in India even today. Of late the finding of such toys has given rise to the area of research known as the ‘archaeology of childhood’, which seeks to construct the childhood of a particular culture through the analysis of the terracotta findings of that area. Cultural Significance :- The bird on the wheel is said to be part of the so-called ‘bird-chariots’ of the Bronze Age. They were spread very widely throughout the world as they have been found in places related to the late Bronze Age of Europe, and later even in China, Japan, and Siberia. Artistic Significance :- The terracotta bird is made flat in shape and has an expanded tail. The eyes have been made by appliqueing pellets on to the head. There are horizontal holes pierced for attaching an axle for wheels. There is also a perforation below the neck to pass a chord by means of which the bird could be drawn. Since it was made of terracotta, it could be easily moulded and baked. Spiritual Significance :- It has been observed that at times the purposes of terracotta figures have been attributed to cult practices. However, the bird on wheel is clearly for the entertainment of children. Its workmanship also does not propose that it was made by children. Style :- Harappan |
| dc.source | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai |
| dc.format.extent | 13 x 13.5 x 8.2 cm. |
| dc.format.mimetype | image/jpg |
| dc.publisher | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, India. |
| dc.subject | Terracotta Toy, Indus Valley Civilization, |
| dc.type | Toy |
| dc.format.medium | image |
| dc.format.material | Terracotta |
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