This pierced rectangular panel depicts a seated
ibis with its sickle-shaped beak resting on the
head of a kneeling male figure. The figure wears
a frontal uraeus, a stylised cobra that symbolised
royalty, divinity or authority in ancient Egypt.
Naked to the waist, he wears a short tunic and
holds one arm out in supplication. The ibis was
considered a sacred bird and associated with
wisdom and purity. Thoth, the god of writing,
wisdom and the moon, was often depicted with a
human body and ibis head. In the late period
ibises were frequently embalmed and interred in
tombs in earthenware jugs. It was believed that
they would provide instruction and protection
during the last journey. This panel may well have
come from an item of furniture placed in a
prestigious tomb, such as a funerary bed or
ceremonial chair. In its original state it would
have been painted and gilded, but it continues to
impress us with its elegant design. (AM)
- (SK.023)
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