Baboon (Moon God Thoth), 7th - 6th century BCE
Ancient Egyptianexpand_more
Faienceexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2017.27
On View in Gallery 250expand_more
Monkeys were kept as costly pets by the elite in ancient Egypt, yet their regal appearance and imposing presence also made them useful representations of gods in the Egyptian religion. The baboon was usually associated with Thoth, one of the moon gods. This animal has a hole in the crown that once held a lunar disk sitting on top of a crescent moon, an attribute of Thoth. For a 2,600-year-old artwork it is in remarkable condition, and though the animal is small in size, its posture and expression command authority.
Details
- Title
- Baboon (Moon God Thoth)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2017.27
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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