Alabaster Statuette of Thoth in Form of a Baboon

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

Material: Alabaster

Dimensions: 9.7 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1320

Provenance: Christie’s London auction on 26 November 1980, lot 174. Last in the collection of Claudia Kruber, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Condition: Sun disk missing, otherwise in a very good condition.

Description: Very finely worked out alabaster statuette of a squatting hamadryas baboon, one of the forms of Thoth, the god of the moon, standing also as the god of knowledge and writing. The baboon with a long snout, strong eye part and the front paws resting on the knees. The long phallus lying between the legs. On the back the tail is clinging and disappearing under the buttock. On the cape a finely waved fur depiction. Hamadryas baboons were considered as holy animals due to their embodiment of the god Thoth. Accordingly, they were presented when teaching scribes. They are also mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, they are seated at the bow of the barque, and the deceased turns to them and asks for justice in the netherworld. Baboons enjoyed protection and were frequently mummified after their death. Mounted.