Egyptian fayence figurine of a baboon
Price: on request
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Object number
AR2682
| Object: |
Fayence figurine of Thoth as baboon with full and crescent moon
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| Material: |
Turquoise fayence with remains of black paint.
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| Period: |
Late Period of Ancient Egypt to Ptolemaic period. 664 BC to 30 BC. |
| Description: |
Small fayence figurine of the god Thoth as a crouching baboon. His hands are placed on his knees. A lunar disk sitting on top of a crescent moon is resting on his head where the crescent is indicated by black paint. Also the eyes, hands and feet are emphasized by black paint. Behind the head is a small loop by which the figurine could be used as an amulet.
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| Background: |
The god Thoth examplifies the complexity of the ancient Egyptian religion. Countless manifestations and responsibilities are known for him. That makes it difficult to interpret his appearances in Egyptian art.
In case of this figurine Thoth is shown as a baboon. A full moon and crescent moon are resting on his head and bring to mind the following myth around the god. He was the successor of Horus and ruled Egypt for 3000 years. When his rule came to an end he ascended to the sky as the moon. But a demon ate pieces from him thus creating the different phases of the moon. This aspect of Thoth was related to the months and seasons and their periodic return. |
| Dimensions: |
27mm high without base, 39mm high with base.
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| Condition: |
Very good condition. Upper part of the moon disc a modern addition. Otherwise the piece is fully intact. Nice fayence surface with original black paint remaining. Mounted on a black wood base by soluble glue.
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| Provenance: |
Acquired by us in 2019 from the German private collection D. R. Acquired into the collection in 2017 from the British art market. Previously at Christie's auction 5487, London, April 2010, lot 347 (part of it). Previously in a European private collection built in the early 20th century.
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| References: |
Cf. F. S. Matouk, Corpus du Scarabée Égyptien, Tome Premier, p. 325, no. 121 and 122. A nice figurine of Thoth depicted in a very similar way as a baboon with discoid and crescent moon can be found at Louvre, acc.no. E 17496. |
| Authenticity: |
We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.
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