An Egyptian Bronze Ibis, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
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A well cast bronze figure of an ibis shown seated with legs folded beneath the body and the tail feathers resting against the ground. The bird is rendered with an elegantly curved neck and elongated beak, capturing the distinctive profile of the sacred ibis. The figure is mounted upon an integral rectangular base, likely serving as a votive support or attachment element. The surface displays rich dark brown patination with areas of green encrustation and oxidation.
The ibis was sacred to Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, learning, and measurement. During the Late Period and Ptolemaic Period, devotion to Thoth inspired the production of vast numbers of bronze ibis figures and the mummification of countless ibises deposited within temple catacombs throughout Egypt. Bronze statuettes such as the present example were dedicated by pilgrims seeking divine favor, protection, or intellectual blessing.
Representations of the ibis rank among the most common and recognizable sacred animal bronzes of the first millennium BCE, alongside figures of cats, falcons, and Apis bulls. Examples have been recovered from temple precincts, shrines, and animal necropoleis associated particularly with the cult centers of Thoth.
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Ibis height: 1 1/8 inches (2.7 cm). Height with base: 2 3/4 (6.9 cm)
Condition: Minor surface wear and encrustation consistent with age. Areas of oxidation and mineral accretion throughout. Intact overall with attractive ancient patina. Mounted on an old custom wood display base, likely of early to mid-20th century date, showing expected wear and age.
Provenance: Nora Scott (1905 – 1994), Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (retired 1972), and acquired from the Metropolitan Museum of Art by deaccession. Gifted to L. Virginia Burton (1918–2009) Associate Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (retired 1977), and then by descent.
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