3rd century BCE terracotta dancing figurine found at Taxila, Pakistan. 2,300 years old Beher Mound near Islamabad, Pakistan Part of UNESCO World Heritage site Taxila
A remarkably detailed terracotta figurine of a dancing woman wearing earrings and bangles has been discovered at Beher Mound near Islamabad, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taxila. Measuring just 12 by 7 centimeters, this 2,300-year-old artifact preliminary dated to the 3rd century BCE shows expressive artistic sophistication rare in early terracotta work. Researchers note the joyful dancing posture challenges assumptions about austere lifestyles in early Jain communities, with whom similar figurines have been linked. A shaped quartz object was also found alongside the figurine, which is currently undergoing conservation before display at the Taxila Museum.
Key Facts
- 2,300 years old
- Beher Mound near Islamabad, Pakistan
- Part of UNESCO World Heritage site Taxila
- Terracotta figurine of woman mid-dance with earrings and bangles
- 12 by 7 cm in size
- Preliminarily dated to 3rd century BCE
- Expressive detail and artistic sophistication rare in early terracotta art
- Similar figurines linked to early Jain communities
- Joyful dancing posture challenges assumptions of austere early Jain life
- Shaped quartz object found alongside figurine
- Objects undergoing conservation before display at Taxila Museum
Related site: Taxila — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Latest Archaeology Discoveries in January 2026 by Inside Archaeology