Harappan Civilizations & the Aryan Migration (ca. 2300-1750 B.C.E.)
Artist: unknown
Title: "Yogin" Seal
Material: Steatite
Site: Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan
Current Location: National Museum, New Delhi, India
Period/Date: Indus/Harrapa Civilization/ ca. 2300-1750 B.C.E.
Iconography/Iconology: "Yogin" surrounded by four animals
and a human figure. This large seal (slightly more than 2" square)
contains the most detailed representation of the "bull-man" known.
It is clearly seen as a yogin with the soles of his feet pressed together
and his hands, thumbs down, resting on his knees. This yogic posture is
still taught to the present day by many Hatha Yoga teachers. The figure
rests on a platform which had two antelope in front of it. This shows an
astonishing continuity with the Buddhist representation of Sakyamuni
teaching the Dharma and seated on a throne with two deer/antelope in
front of it.
Stylistic Comments:
