Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Ibis Mummy

Egyptian

1 of 4

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

Egyptian. Ibis Mummy, 664–30 B.C.E.. Animals remains (Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, or an African Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus), linen, 7 x 7 1/8 x 16 3/8 in. (17.8 x 18.1 x 41.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.2042.34E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Culture

Egyptian

Title

Ibis Mummy

Date

664–30 B.C.E.

Period

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period

Medium

Animals remains (Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, or an African Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus), linen

Classification

Remains, Animal

Dimensions

7 x 7 1/8 x 16 3/8 in. (17.8 x 18.1 x 41.6 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.2042.34E

Frequent Art Questions

  • What is the ibis mummy

    Hi! An ibis is a type of water bird with a long, curved beak. The ancient Egyptians associated them with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing.
    There were certain temples where the priests bred the birds specifically to be mummified and sold to the public for making donations to the god.
    Thank you!!

  • What did the ibis symbolize something that made them so popular?

    Their long beak resembled the reed pens used by scribes, which is how they came to be associated with the god Thoth.

  • Is an ibis a bird? How did they mummify it?

    Yes, it is a type of water bird with a long, curving beak. Priests would set out food to attract flocks of these wild birds, some of which would be captured, killed, and mummified. They also took advantage of birds that died of natural causes.
    The animal was dried using natron, a type of salt found in abundance. Then it would be wrapped in linen that was soaked in plant resin.
    For the gods?
    Yes! The Egyptians believed that animals had souls and could carry messages to the gods. The ibis is associated with Thoth, the god of writing (because the reed used to write with resembled the bird's beak).
    A god of writing is so cool.
    I think so too!

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Artists and makers

Egyptian

178 works in the collection