ANIMAL DEPICTION ON CERAMICS OF THE TOCHI-GOMAL PHASE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The Gomal and Bannu regions in the southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are archaeologically rich and have undergone multiple explorations and excavations by scholars from Pakistan as well as broad, revealing their importance as favourable locations for human settlement in the past. One of the key factors supporting continuous habitation was the easy availability of water, which is essential for life and was found near nearly all archaeological sites in the area. Animals have always been integral to human life, both in the past and present. In ancient times, communities domesticated certain animals, a tradition that continues to this day. Clay, being readily available, served as the primary raw material for crafting various utilitarian and artistic objects. Among these, pottery was particularly prominent. Pottery production had become a well-established craft, and ceramic vessels were often decorated with painted motifs, especially depictions of animals, both domestic and wild. These designs reflect not only the aesthetic preferences of the time but also the cultural, economic, and symbolic values attributed to animals by the ancient inhabitants (Khan , Knox, & Thomas, 1991; Durrani, 1988) (Dani, 1970-1971; Jan, Ali, Durrani, & Qazi, 2011; Naseem & Jan, 2016; Knox, Ali, & Allchin, 1986, pp. 89-177) (Knox, Ali, & Allchin, 1986, pp. 89-177; Ali & Jan, 2005, pp. 1-54).  The animal motifs found on pottery provide valuable insights into the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the region in which they were produced. This paper explores the symbolic significance of animals in the ceramic art of the Tochi-Gomal Phase, highlighting how these representations are deeply intertwined with the religious beliefs and cultural expressions of ancient communities. The study of zoomorphic imagery not only enhances our understanding of the local fauna but also sheds light on the spiritual and artistic dimensions of a civilization long lost to time. These symbolic depictions offer a practical lens through which to interpret the relationship between humans and their environment, as well as their mythologies, belief systems, and worldviews. By examining these motifs, ceramic analysis is elevated beyond its traditional functional scope, revealing the rich diversity of meanings embedded within pottery as a medium of cultural expression