SAITE PERIOD, CIRCA DYNASTY XXVI (664-525 B.C.)

Details

AN EGYPTIAN BRONZE FIGURE OF A BABOON
SAITE PERIOD, CIRCA DYNASTY XXVI (664-525 B.C.)
Sitting on his haunches with forepaws resting on his knees, a mantle of fur cloaks the shoulders and upper arms, with prominent genitalia, pierced on crown of head for attachment (now missing), on integral base
3¼ in. (8.3 cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
Animals, 1981, I, no. 55; and Noah's Ark, 1997, no. 59.

The baboon's mantle of long hair and elongated nose indicate Papio hamadryas, noted for their aggressive character. These baboons, sacred to Thoth, were often kept in moon temples, partially as mascots and partially as watchdogs.

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