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Farly Terracottas From Vaisālī
Fig. 2
noses, prominent breasts, expansive hips and tapering arms and legs. The ornaments, consisting of collars, girdle arranged between the breasts and extending to the navel and waist band, are applied on the body, and marked by impressed wheel design or incised circle. Archaic in nature, they are believed to represent Mother-goddesses; forbidding and solemn'; 'uncouth and primeval'. The type underwent some changes, facial features came close to female faces although their lineage is not lost sight of.20
The Naga figurines21 show a combination of snake hood and human body in the flat plaques. The essential form depicts slim and pointed hood, narrow waist, voluminous hips and short fin-shaped legs. Eyes are indicated either by irregularly pricked perforation or by applied discs, the navel is indicated by deep incisions. The body is decorated with parallel incised lines or punched circlets. The form is thoroughly stylised and probably indicative of its pre-Mauryan origin. These figurines must have served as votive offerings and in this connection a passage of Arthašastra22
20. VE, '58-62, pl. XL. VE, '50 pl. XVII A. Arthasastra, IV 3.
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