A copper anthropomorphic figure, India, Gangentic plains, 2nd millenium B.C., cast with a domical head, long outstretched arms that curl inwards, and splayed legs originating from the robust midsection, 20cm. high Provenance: Private collection, UK Although the function of sculptures such as these is unknown, they may have been used for religious or decorative purposes. As unalloyed copper is a soft metal, it is unlikely that these would have been functional as a tool or weapon. Figures such as these were discovered in copper hoards throughout northern India, and have been attributed to an indigenous culture in the Gangetic Basin during the first half of the second millennium BCE. Three copper anthropomorphs are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. no. 2001.433.5). For further examples see Christie's 20 March 2019, Lot 651 Please refer to department for condition report