Terracotta Art in Nepal

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction of research. 2. Geography and history. 3. Principal terracotta sites. 4. Human Figurines. 5. Animal Figurines. 6. Beads. 7. Bangles. 7. Seal and sealings. 9. Counters and tokens. 10. Miscellaneous objects. 11. Conclusion. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. 

From the preface: Art is the reflection of human thought and experience. It is an open page of either devotional feelings or secular utilitarianism in human society. Art contributes to the enrichment of the outer forms of life in relation to the inner growth of the mind. Religion provides food to the soul, which helps in the promotion of mental thinking and creativity. It also has a self-motivation factor during the course of preservation and conservation. According to Kalidas, beauty, of course, is our idea, but not sin. It is called fine art (Lalita Kala) due to its beautiful character. Since the primitive stage of human civilization, intangible elements of society have been reflecting in clay, stone, wood, metal, bone, ivory, paper, barks, cloths, and leaf. After a micro-analysis of the art elements from the past it is possible to find information about the contemporary society and civilization. Due to it being a cheap and easily tractable medium, clay has been used since the stone age. Clay is so easy a medium to work with that when a child receives a lump of wet clay they start holding and modeling the pliable material in to any form that interests then-which may be human, animal, or any others that provide inner satisfaction and delight. The clay or terracotta figurines may be art pieces or votives, rituals magical objects or toys, but their importance is remarkable in the aspects of social documents, philosophical, and religious beliefs. Any body can model a piece to a certain shape and size depending on his interest. After the object dries in the sun or is fired, it becomes durable in order to be used either in daily life or to be offered at the sacred shrines.