Ibis-form Mummy in Jar
664–332 B.C.E.
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Caption
Ibis-form Mummy in Jar, 664–332 B.C.E.. Clay, animal remains, linen, 13 × 5 × 5 1/2 in. (33 × 12.7 × 14 cm) mummy: 12 1/2 × 4 × 3 in. (31.8 × 10.2 × 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1953Ea-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Ibis-form Mummy in Jar
Date
664–332 B.C.E.
Period
Late Period
Medium
Clay, animal remains, linen
Classification
Dimensions
13 × 5 × 5 1/2 in. (33 × 12.7 × 14 cm) mummy: 12 1/2 × 4 × 3 in. (31.8 × 10.2 × 7.6 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.1953Ea-b
Frequent Art Questions
What are these?
Those are animal mummies! The souls of these animals would have carried messages to the gods from the living.Animal mummies were a major industry in Ancient Egypt. There is some evidence that there were corrupt priests who would sell fake mummies! Some do not contain a full skeleton- only a feather or single bone -- or no animal remains at all!That’s interesting what type of animals would be mummified?A whole range of animals were mummified - both wild and tame. Each animal was thought to have a special relationship to a god. For instance, the ibis was associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing.There are special animal cemeteries in the Saqqara desert that contains millions of these animal mummies! There are far more mummified animals than people.Tell me more.
Animal mummies are some of the most numerous artifacts from ancient Egypt. Cemeteries associated with major temples were where millions of animals were buried.Animal mummies served an important religious function in ancient Egypt. People believed that the animals' souls could act as messengers and carry with them hopes and prayers to the gods quickly and effectively.
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at