Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

One of the Souls of Buto in the Pose of Rejoicing

ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later

1 of 7

Object Label

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.

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) mount (display dimensions): 8 1/2 x 5 x 5 in. (21.6 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.420E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

One of the Souls of Buto in the Pose of Rejoicing

Date

ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later

Dynasty

Dynasty 26, or later

Period

Late Period

Geography

Reportedly from: Memphis, Egypt

Medium

Bronze

Classification

Sculpture

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)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.420E

Frequent Art Questions

  • What does this mean?

    This pose is the same as the hieroglyph for rejoicing. The figure depicts one of the "Souls of Buto." Buto is a sacred city in norther Egypt.
    And why does it have an eagle face?
    It's actually a falcon. Most Egyptian deities were associated with an animal or animals and they were frequently depicted with a human body and the head of their animal. Many deities were associated with falcons, the ancient Egyptians held them in high regard.

  • Who is this?

    This statue depicts one of the "Souls of Buto" in a pose of rejoicing. His face is that of a falcon. A soul traveling to the afterlife you encounter the Souls of Buto on their journey.
    Ancient Egyptians held falcons in high regard and a number of deities were associated with them. Animal associations with deities were often expressed through the use of animal heads on human bodies.

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