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One of the Souls of Buto in the Pose of Rejoicing

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
The bau of Buto were other-than-human powers believed to reside in that ancient and sacred northern Egyptian city; they were usually associated with bau of the sacred southern city of Hierakonpolis. Images of them in the round normally have the pose of this figure, a three-dimensional hieroglyphic writing of the verb "to praise" or "to acclaim." They were used to adorn cult objects, on which they served to praise the deity of the cult.
MEDIUM Bronze
  • Reportedly From: Memphis, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 664-525 B.C.E. or later
    DYNASTY Dynasty 26, or later
    PERIOD Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 6 5/16 x 4 7/16 x 4 5/16 in. (16 x 11.2 x 11 cm) mount (display dimensions): 8 1/2 x 5 x 5 in. (21.6 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.420E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Falcon-headed figure kneeling on one knee. The figure holds its left hand to its chest and its right hand up in the air in a gesture of greeting and rejoicing. The figure, which is garbed in a tripartite wig and a short pleated kilt, may be identified as a representation of a "soul of Buto." It probably once formed part of a cult apparatus. Condition: Good. Green patina spotted with cuprite.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION One of the Souls of Buto in the Pose of Rejoicing, ca. 664-525 B.C.E. or later. Bronze, 6 5/16 x 4 7/16 x 4 5/16 in. (16 x 11.2 x 11 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.420E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.420E.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 37.420E.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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