Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Shrew Coffin

664–30 B.C.E.

1 of 6

Object Label

The Egyptians venerated the shrew, a mouse-sized nocturnal creature, because they believed it to be the counterpart for the ichneumon, with full vision during the night.

Caption

Shrew Coffin, 664–30 B.C.E.. Bronze, animal remains, 1 5/16 x 3/4 x 2 1/2 in., 0.2 lb. (3.3 x 1.9 x 6.4 cm, 0.08kg) as mounted: 1 1/2 x 7/8 x 2 1/2 in. (3.8 x 2.2 x 6.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.410Ea-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum (Gavin Ashworth, photographer))

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Shrew Coffin

Date

664–30 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 26, or later

Period

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period

Geography

Reportedly from: Lower Egypt, Egypt

Medium

Bronze, animal remains

Classification

Remains, Animal

Dimensions

1 5/16 x 3/4 x 2 1/2 in., 0.2 lb. (3.3 x 1.9 x 6.4 cm, 0.08kg) as mounted: 1 1/2 x 7/8 x 2 1/2 in. (3.8 x 2.2 x 6.4 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.410Ea-b

Frequent Art Questions

  • What Egyptian god is the shrew is supposed to be associated with?

    Shrews were used to stand in for the ichneumon, the African mongoose. The ichneumon was associated with Horus and the god Atum, and was worshipped for it's ability to see in the dark and ability to kill snakes.
    You might have seen a small statue of a king and (much larger) Ichneumon elsewhere in the exhibition!
    Interesting! I knew the ichneumon was variously worshipped, also as the goddess Mafdet, but I didn't know the shrew could be a possible stand-in for it.
    Isn't it fascinating?
    It really is!

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