Harappan Civilizations & the Aryan Migration (ca. 2300-1750 B.C.E.)
Graphic by John C. Huntington
Artist: unknown
Title: graphic of "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.
Stylistic Comments: The four animals to the left and right of the
yogin's head are in a position that is virtually identical to the convention
for mandalas (circular religious diagrams) that existed in Buddhism
in India through the 12th century. If the four animals are conceived of
as being north, east, south, and west, rather than bilaterally placed, the
yogin would be conceived of as being in the center of this circular diagram.
The convention of this type of mandala continues in use to the present day
in Buddhism throughout norther Asia.
