Mathura: Dwarf

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

Unearthed from Mathura, the dwarf is portrayed with a short body and bulging abdomen. Here the figure is secured in the posture of royal ease by a restraining meditation band. The hair is curled, the eyebrows are thick and the face includes a handsome, upward-curving mustache with pointed ends. A collar designed like a flower garland is fastened about the figure’s neck, while large earrings in the same style drag down the elongated earlobes. Both arms are missing but a groove visible on the head provides a clue as to their position. Since the figure is similar to the dwarfs discovered at Govind Nagar, it is conjectured that an offering bowl was originally located above the head and the hands were raised to steady it. The statue was probably one of a pair placed at a temple entrance.