Harappan Terracotta Bowl with Ibex Motif

Harappan Civilization, c. 2600–2450 BC, Sindh, Pakistan

A rare and captivating terracotta bowl from the Indus Valley Civilization, beautifully preserved and richly decorated with a combination of geometric and zoomorphic motifs. Rising from a small, flattened foot, the vessel expands gracefully into a wide, open mouth—its form both elegant and utilitarian.

The interior is adorned with a striking frieze of stylized ibex figures, rendered in dark brown slip with fluid, rhythmic lines that suggest motion and grace. These zoomorphic motifs are interspersed with linear patterning—bands of stripes encircling the vessel's inner walls—culminating in a central medallion composed of intricate crosshatching within four concentric circles. Additional bands of painted stripes accentuate the rim, while faint traces of pigment and slip on the exterior hint at its original vibrancy.

The ibex, a wild mountain goat native to the region, may have held symbolic or spiritual significance, and its stylization reflects the high degree of abstraction characteristic of Harappan ceramic art. Vessels such as this were likely used in both domestic and ritual settings, and their imagery may have conveyed social, cosmological, or communicative meanings—now lost to time but still deeply evocative.

This exceptional piece offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the visual language and cultural sophistication of the Harappan world—one of the earliest urban civilizations in human history. It stands as a testament to the refined aesthetic and technical skill of artisans working over four millennia ago.

Good condition. Surface wear commensurate with age, with a chip to the rim and encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Size approx. 13,1cm x 12,9cm x 5,3cm. 

Provenance: British private collection.

References and further reading:

The Harappan Civilisation: Its Sub-cultures, Roshen Dalal, The Pioneer, Thursday, 10 May 2018.

Indus Valley Civilization, Mark, Joshua J., World History Encyclopedia, Last modified October 07, 2020 (https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization/).

Proto-Historic Pottery of Indus Valley Civilization; Study of Painted Motifs, Sudha Satyawadi, D.K. Printworld, 1994.

The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective, Gregory L. Possehl, AltaMira Press, 2002.