Animal Mummies in the Brooklyn Museum, August 2007

Mummified Ibis (at the top)

Considered sacrosanct, the ibis was connected first with the god Thoth and later with the revered sage Imhotep. Mummified ibises found at cult sites dedicated to Thoth or Imhotep are usually understood as votives deposited by private persons either as offerings to curry favor or as gestures of appreciation for answered prayers. This elaborately preserved ibis bears witness to the extremes to which the ancient embalmers could go in their preservation of an animal. The linen wrappings, some of which have been dyed, are wound in an intricate pattern, while the bronze head attached to the mummy shows exquisite workmanship.

Medium: Animal remains, bronze, linen

Place Excavated: Abydos, Egypt

Dates: 30 B.C.E.-100 C.E.

Period: Roman Period

Dimensions: 29 5/16 x 4 13/16 in. (74.5 x 12.3 cm)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

Accession Number: 14.655

Credit Line: Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/8647/Mummif...


and

Young Mummified Crocodile (at the bottom)

The god Sobek, in his connections with the Nile and its annual inundation, was commonly represented as a crocodile. His most important cult was located in the Faiyum. Crocodile cemeteries are found there and in adjacent areas like Kahun.

Medium: Animal remains, linen, white tape

Dates: 1st century C.E.

Period: Roman Period

Dimensions: 3 11/16 x 29 3/16 in. (9.3 x 74.2 cm)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

Accession Number: 14.668

Credit Line: Museum Collection Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3124/Young_...