Waterspout in the Shape of a Lion
664–30 B.C.E.
1 of 8
Object Label
In addition to channeling occasional storm water from temple roofs and walls, waterspouts such as this one were believed to have magical qualities. Akin to sphinxes, the leonine images symbolized power and guarded the structures they adorned.
Caption
Waterspout in the Shape of a Lion, 664–30 B.C.E.. Limestone, 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 8 9/16 in. (19 x 11.5 x 21.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1311. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Waterspout in the Shape of a Lion
Date
664–30 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 26, or later
Period
Late Period to Ptolemaic Period
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Limestone
Classification
Dimensions
7 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 8 9/16 in. (19 x 11.5 x 21.7 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
35.1311
Frequent Art Questions
May I please have more information on the waterspout shaped like a lion?
As you might have already read on the label, this spout would have been positioned on a temple roof or wall.It's like a forerunner of the gargoyles that we see much later in French Gothic architecture on cathedrals like Notre Dame. In addition to channeling the rainwater down off the roof, the lion served a protective purpose. Felines of many kinds were closely associated with royalty (especially the pharaoh himself) and various deities in ancient Egyptian culture/religion. They were important symbolic guardians, just like the everyday cats that protected the Egyptians' granaries from mice!I don't see a hole underneath the chin for water to flow, did the water pour over the head and face?
The large pour spout is under the lower jaw. It would have been positioned on a temple roof or wall. In addition to channeling the rainwater down off the roof, the lion served a protective purpose.
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