Apis Bull in the Brooklyn Museum, March 2010

An Apis Bull

The cult of the Apis bull at Memphis was one of the oldest cults in Egypt, dating to Dynasty I and perhaps even the Predynastic Period. The Apis bull was a manifestation of the god Ptah and an intermediary for that god as well, thus endowed with oracular powers. At the death of an Apis bull, the underground burial chambers where his mummy would be interred were opened for a period of seventy days. During that time, private individuals would erect stelae and leave votive offerings for the deceased bull, asking for benefits like good health and longevity for themselves and their kin. This bronze is quite likely such a votive.

Medium: Bronze

Dates: ca. 664-332 B.C.E.

Dynasty: XXX Dynasty (possibly)

Period: Late Period

Dimensions: 3 1/16 x 7/8 x 2 5/16 in. (7.7 x 2.3 x 5.8 cm)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is not on view

Accession Number: 05.367

Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3218/An_Api...