Egyptian Bronze and Alabaster Ibis, Third Intermediate Period, 21st-25th Dynasty, C. 1069-664 BC
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/her tomb in order to
invoke his favors in the afterlife. The practice of mummifying sacred
animals and /or to dedicate their votive statuettes became increasingly
popular during the Late Period, even if already attested during previous
periods.