Mother Goddess Sculpture: The Red Queen of Mohenjo-Daro
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What is the Mother Goddess Sculpture?
The Mother Goddess Sculpture is a terracotta figure from the Indus Valley Civilization, found at Mohenjo-Daro and made around 2500 BCE. It’s coated in red slip—a reddish clay layer—and shows a woman with a fan-shaped headdress, big cup-like earrings, and cone decorations on her forehead. She’s got three necklaces, no top, and a skirt held by bands with a clasp.
The Story Behind It
Imagine a Mohenjo-Daro potter shaping wet clay by hand, bringing a goddess to life under a smoky fire. She stands tall, her red skin glowing, crowned with a wide, fan-like headdress that sways like wings. Big cups hang from her ears, charred black inside, jingling as she moves. Cones spike her forehead, sharp and bold. Three necklaces drape her chest—one small with four tube pendants, two bigger ones framing it—while her skirt clings tight, tied with bands and a shiny clasp. Her eyes are round clay dots, her nose pinched, and her lips a grooved line. Was she a mother watching over homes, a queen of fields and babies, or a spirit of power? She’s a red mystery from long ago.
A Long History
This sculpture was dug up at Mohenjo-Daro, from a time when the Indus Valley thrived with big cities, around 2500 BCE to 1700 BCE. Made of terracotta and painted red, it’s a handmade treasure showing off their craft. Figures like her pop up a lot, hinting she was special—maybe a goddess for families or harvests. She’s now safe at the National Museum in New Delhi.
Why It Matters
The Mother Goddess is a big deal—she might be one of the first signs of goddess worship in India! Her fancy headdress and jewellery show the Indus Valley folks loved style and maybe saw her as a protector. She links to later mother goddesses in India, like those for fertility or strength. This little figure tells us they cared about women, nature, and spirit, a piece of their heart still here.
Where to See It
You can visit the Mother Goddess Sculpture at the National Museum on Janpath Road in New Delhi. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM, closed Mondays—check their website for entry fees. Look for other Mohenjo-Daro finds like seals and toys to feel their ancient buzz.
Fun Facts
- Her red slip makes her pop—like a clay superstar!
- Those cup earrings might’ve held tiny offerings or just looked cool.
- Three necklaces mean she was decked out—fancy for 2500 BCE!
- Her simple face—dots and a line—still feels alive.
