Animal Mummy of ibis decorated with appliqué of Ibis-headed god
Period: Late Period–Roman Period
Date: ca. 400 B.C.–100 A.D.
Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Saqqara; includes the Serapeum
Medium: Linen, animal remains
Dimensions: l. 36 cm (14 3/16 in)
Credit Line: Gift of James Douglas, 1890
Accession Number: 90.6.104
Sacred animals had always figured in ancient Egyptian religion, but beginning about the 7th century the phenomenon of sacred animal cults burgeoned remarkably. In some temples a single sacred animal acted as the living incarnation of a god, in others living species were kept within the temple precincts, and there were also temples and sanctuaries attached to the burial places of sacred animals.
Most of the animal mummies in museums today are from among the hundreds of thousands or more made for sale to those wishing to make donations to a relevant divine animal or god in order to bring themselves to the god’s attention, perhaps for a specific purpose like a dream interpretation or a wish for fertility, perhaps for a better eternal life.
Research on animal mummies has shown that the majority of mummies found at the large animal cemetery sites are pre-adults who were purposely killed for use as donations. Some of the mummies are actually ‘substitute’ mummies containing only a few bones or feathers or possibly just sticks or sand.
Recently a review of the museum's animal mummies and their x-rays was conducted in consultation with an expert in their study, and brought to light a number of interesting points. In this particular case the wrappings include an elaborate applique of the ibis-headed Thoth with anthropomorphic form seated on a throne, while the contents are some bones but no organized animal mummy
Most of the animal mummies in museums today are from among the hundreds of thousands or more made for sale to those wishing to make donations to a relevant divine animal or god in order to bring themselves to the god’s attention, perhaps for a specific purpose like a dream interpretation or a wish for fertility, perhaps for a better eternal life.
Research on animal mummies has shown that the majority of mummies found at the large animal cemetery sites are pre-adults who were purposely killed for use as donations. Some of the mummies are actually ‘substitute’ mummies containing only a few bones or feathers or possibly just sticks or sand.
Recently a review of the museum's animal mummies and their x-rays was conducted in consultation with an expert in their study, and brought to light a number of interesting points. In this particular case the wrappings include an elaborate applique of the ibis-headed Thoth with anthropomorphic form seated on a throne, while the contents are some bones but no organized animal mummy
Met Museum
metmuseum.org
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario