New approach to the ivory and bone artifacts from Tagar (Ter). Dist. Osmanabad, Maharashtra

Abstract

Ivory is the hard creamy-white dentin that forms the tusks of some animals such as elephants, used to make decorative objects. Ivory is mainly used to make combs, ear rings, bangles, hair pins, antimony rods (anjana or Kajjal shalaka), seals, buttons, decoration pieces, boxes, dice, chessmen, furniture, ornaments, manuscript covers, mirror handles Etc. Ivory and bones are used for needles, arrow heads, from Prehistoric times. They are continued till modern period. Ter, i.e. Ancient Tagar Dist. Osmanabad, Maharashtra is an ancient major city of Satavahana period. In various excavations and surface collection many objects are reveled which are created from ivory and bone. Artifacts like decorative mirror handles in the form of beautiful lady, ivory combs, needles, antimony roads, and dolls are reveled. Some bone artifacts like female figurine are revealed. Mirror handles in the form of beautiful lady has having clothes on the backside are traditionally known as Sakachha. It resembles the nine-yard Sari wore in Maharashtrian style.