Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Ibis-Form Shrew Mummy

664–332 B.C.E.

1 of 3

Object Label

These four animal mummies are in ibis-related shapes but different wrapping styles. The CT scans and X-rays shown here reveal that two of these mummies are indeed ibises, as expected, but that of the two others, one contains snakes and the other contains shrews.

Scientific examination has revolutionized scholars’ understanding of the most basic data available in analyzing animal mummies.

Caption

Ibis-Form Shrew Mummy, 664–332 B.C.E.. Animal remains (Crocidura flavescens, C. nana, C. olivieri, or C. religiosa), linen, 4 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 19 5/8 in. (12.1 x 8.9 x 49.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1987E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum (Gavin Ashworth, photographer))

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Ibis-Form Shrew Mummy

Date

664–332 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 30

Period

Late Period

Geography

Reportedly from: Saqqara, Egypt

Medium

Animal remains (Crocidura flavescens, C. nana, C. olivieri, or C. religiosa), linen

Classification

Remains, Animal

Dimensions

4 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 19 5/8 in. (12.1 x 8.9 x 49.8 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.1987E

Frequent Art Questions

  • Why did some animal shaped coffins have different animals inside?

    There could be a couple reasons. Falcon-shaped coffins could have a shrew inside as a stand in for a mongoose or ichneumon, like a cat can stand for a lion. The representative of the mongoose was meant to protect the falcon from snakes.
    Thanks!

  • If a priest puts a shrew in your ibis mummy does Thoth still get the message?

    The priest sure wants you to think so!
    The answer, according to actual Egyptian beliefs, is maybe. The soul of the mummified shrew would go to live in the realm of the gods where Thoth would also be. It wouldn't be as direct a line as sending an ibis though.

  • 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.

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