• CSM-3000-SCU-Bird-right-8
  • CSM-3000-SCU-Bird-front-8
  • CSM-3000-SCU-Bird-left-8

Bird on Wheel

Original Location: Harappa, Punjab, Pakistan

Present Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Date: Circa 3200 - 1500 BCE

Material: Terracotta

Objects: Toy

Style: Harappan

Credits: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai


The discovery of terracotta figures from the Indus Valley Civilization is of great value. It not only throws light to its extent and period but more importantly it highlights how this culture catered to needs of entertainment of its people. The real objects of nature in their miniature forms were made for children, a tradition that is to be found to be existing in India even today. Of late the finding of such toys has given rise to the area of research known as the archaeology of childhood, which seeks to construct the childhood of a particular culture through the analysis of the terracotta findings of that area.

The bird on the wheel is said to part of the so-called " bird-chariots" of the bronze age. They were spread very widely throughout the world as they have been found in places related to the late bronze age of Europe, and later even in China, Japan and Siberia.

The terracotta bird is made flat in shape and has an expanded tail. The eyes have been made by appliqueing pellets on to the head. There are horizontal holes pierced for attaching an axle for wheels. There is also a perforation below the neck to pass a chord by means of which the bird could be drawn. Since it was made of terracotta or baked clay, it could be easily moulded and baked.

It has been observed that at times the purposes of terracotta figures have been attributed to cult practices. However, the bird on wheel is clearly for the entertainment of children. Its workmanship also does not propose that it was made by children.

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