Common Motifs:
* Animals: The most prevalent motifs are animals, often in a stylized or abstract form. Common animal depictions include:
* Bulls: Particularly important, often shown with large horns, representing strength and fertility.
* Tigers: Representing power and courage.
* Elephants: Symbolising wisdom and strength.
* Rhinoceroses: Often seen with a long horn, representing power and fertility.
* Birds: Depicting various species, representing freedom, speed, and communication.
* Fish: Symbolising prosperity and abundance.
* Monkeys: Often portrayed in playful postures, representing mischievousness and agility.
* Human Figures: While less common than animals, human figures are found on some seals. These can depict:
* Priests: Possibly performing rituals or offering sacrifices.
* Warriors: Wearing elaborate headgear and wielding weapons.
* Dancing Figures: Representing celebrations or religious ceremonies.
* Mythical Creatures: Harappan seals also feature mythical creatures, some of which are unique to the Indus Valley Civilization. These include:
* The "Unicorn": A creature with a single horn, possibly representing fertility and strength.
* The "Proto-Shiva": A figure with three heads, possibly a deity associated with creation and destruction.
* Geometric Designs: Many seals feature geometric patterns, such as:
* Squares: Representing order and structure.
* Circles: Symbolising the cycle of life and eternity.
* Triangles: Representing the divine and the cosmos.
* Swirls and Spirals: Representing energy and movement.
Other Features:
* Inscriptions: Some seals feature inscriptions, written in the still undeciphered Indus script. These inscriptions may hold clues to the Harappan language and culture.
* Holes: Most seals have a hole at the top, which was used for attaching the seal to a string or cord. This suggests they were used for marking objects, possibly for trade, ownership, or administrative purposes.
Interpretations and Significance:
The specific meanings of the motifs on Harappan seals are still debated by scholars. However, it's clear that they reflect the cultural beliefs, religious practices, and daily life of the Indus Valley Civilization. They offer valuable insights into their art, symbolism, and social structure.
It's important to remember that each seal is unique, and their interpretations can vary based on the specific motifs, their arrangement, and the overall context of the seal itself.