Lot 15
15
A BLUE-GLAZED COMPOSITION FIGURE OF A BABOON
A BLUE-GLAZED COMPOSITION FIGURE OF A BABOON

MIDDLE KINGDOM, CIRCA 2040-1640 B.C.

Details
A BLUE-GLAZED COMPOSITION FIGURE OF A BABOON
middle kingdom, circa 2040-1640 b.c.
Seated on an integral base with his hands resting on his knees, with a cloak-like mantle of fur and a long tail curving behind, the details of its coat, buttocks, and phallus in dark purple glaze, with a suspension hole at the back of the neck
1¾in. (4.6cm.) high

Lot Essay

The species of baboon depicted is papio hamadryas, sacred to Thoh, god of wisdom and learning. They vanished from the wild in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom, but continued to be imported from the south for use as temple mascots or watch dogs. For recent discussions see nos. 55-56 in Kosloff, ed., Animals in Ancient Art from the Leo Mildenberg Collection, and no. 83 in Arnold, An Egyptian Bestiary.