Indus Valley Terracotta Chalcolithic Deity Statuette (No reserve price)

07
days
15
hours
21
minutes
52
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 280 - € 350
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Indus Valley terracotta statuette of a male deity, the Chalcolithic Deity Statuette, dating ca. 3300–1300 BC, measuring 9 cm long by 2.7 cm wide, with repaired left hand and broken ankles, from a private collection and formerly part of the David Gold collection (acquired in the 1970s; acquired by the current owner in 1990).

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An Indus Valley terracotta statuette of a male deity. He is presented with typical facial features seen on the Indus Valley sculptures of deities, including a prominent nose, angular, almond-shaped eyes, long diagonal incisions for the eyebrows, and a headdress. Sculpted clay and careful incisions render further anatomical detail on the body. Some scratches, chips, and earthly encrustation are visible to the surface, consistent with age. Both legs are broken at the ankles, damage to the left hand at the wrist. The left hand has been repaired, with glue residue still visible.

The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of the three first cradles of civilisation along with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. At its height, the Indus Valley civilisation, which flourished at places like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, developed innovative techniques for making pottery, carving seals, and in metallurgy. Terracotta sculptures of Indus Valley are modelled after gods and goddesses are typically categorised as votive offerings.

Measurements: (circa) L 9cm x W 2.7cm

Provenance: From the David Gold (deceased) collection, 1970s.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

An Indus Valley terracotta statuette of a male deity. He is presented with typical facial features seen on the Indus Valley sculptures of deities, including a prominent nose, angular, almond-shaped eyes, long diagonal incisions for the eyebrows, and a headdress. Sculpted clay and careful incisions render further anatomical detail on the body. Some scratches, chips, and earthly encrustation are visible to the surface, consistent with age. Both legs are broken at the ankles, damage to the left hand at the wrist. The left hand has been repaired, with glue residue still visible.

The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of the three first cradles of civilisation along with Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, dating back to the fourth millennium BC. At its height, the Indus Valley civilisation, which flourished at places like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, developed innovative techniques for making pottery, carving seals, and in metallurgy. Terracotta sculptures of Indus Valley are modelled after gods and goddesses are typically categorised as votive offerings.

Measurements: (circa) L 9cm x W 2.7cm

Provenance: From the David Gold (deceased) collection, 1970s.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**

Seller's Story

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Indus Valley
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 3300-1300 BC
Name of object
Chalcolithic Deity Statuette
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
United KingdomVerified
8404
Objects sold
100%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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