Eccentric Anthropomorph
These anthropomorphic figures, harpoons, ax blades (celts), and antennae swords were cast and hammered from unalloyed copper. They may be dated to 1500 to 1000 B.C. Given that pure copper is a relatively soft metal and most of the objects show little or no signs of wear, it seems likely that their function was largely dedicatory. Hoards of such objects have been found across north India, the greatest concentration being in Uttar Pradesh. The findspots suggest they were ritually deposited in rivers or marshes, though several related antennae swords were recorded in late Indus Valley civilization (ca. 1500 B.C.) burials at Sanauli.
Artwork Details
- Title: Eccentric Anthropomorph
- Date: 1500–1000 BCE
- Culture: India
- Medium: Copper
- Dimensions: 6 1/16 x 4 5/8 in. (15.4 x 11.7 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998
- Object Number: 2001.433.13
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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India
1500–500 BCE
Indian (Tamil Nadu)
ca. first quarter of the 10th century
India, Ancient kingdom of Kashmir
9th century
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late 11th century
Indian (Tamil Nadu)
ca. 11th century
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