Egyptian, Late Period, Dynasty 26-30, ca. 664-343 B.C.

Bronze, blue stone

H: 6.8 cm (2.6 in) - L: 9.5 cm (3.7 in)

Serial: 22896

Executed in bronze (head and legs) and blue stone (body), this small statuette represents an Ibis bird seated on its legs. This particular animal, of fairly large proportions, was carved with careful attention to details. The rendering of the bronze smooth head with a long throat, curved beak, globular eyes, bent legs, and sharp claws is quite precise and realistic. The rest of the body, however, is more schematic, with only its oval shape and wing outline indicated. The smooth surface of stone is especially attractive for its dark blue color.

The statuettes of these birds were generally dedicated to temples attributed to Thoth, the Egyptian God of writing, magic and wisdom, and which related sacred animals were actually the Ibis - the God often appearing as a man with an Ibis head - and the Baboon. As creator of humanity, Thoth was a major figure in the pantheon of Egyptian deities. Thoth's sanctuary was located at Hermopolis, a city known for its wealth, particularly during the Late and Ptolemaic Periods.

The object could have a votive purpose in a sanctuary or accompany the deceased in his tomb in order to invoke his favors in the afterlife. The practice of mummifying sacred animals and to dedicate their votive statuettes became increasingly popular during the Late Period, even if already attested during previous periods.

CONDITION

Oxidation; a crack.

PROVENANCE

Ex- Liechti collection, Geneva; acquired in Paris, 1930’s-1960’s.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

PAGE-GASSER M., WIESE A.B., Egypte, Moments d’éternité, Art égyptien dans les collections privées, Suisse, Mainz am Rhein, 1997, pp. 255-256, n0. 169.

SALEH M., SOUROUZIAN H., The Egyptian Museum Cairo: Official Catalogue, Mainz am Rhein, 1987, no. 256.

WILKINSON R. H., The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, London, 2003, pp. 215-217.