Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A charming, hand-carved wooden zoomorphic amulet of a baboon seated upon an integral ovoid plinth. The figure's arms rest upon bent legs, with sloping shoulders, a spherical snout and nose, recessed circular eyes, and an overarching brow line. A petite circular suspension loop is integral with the figure's back and allows this to be worn as a pendant. Baboons were not native to Egypt, but instead were imported from Nubia. They were, however, common animals in the ancient Egyptian artistic tradition as well as being important to religious worship. This primate example is representative of Thoth, the god of writing, accounting, and other intellectual pursuits, who was typically associated with the ibis. However, Thoth would occasionally assume the form of a baboon in certain tales in Egyptian lore. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 0.875" W x 2.125" H (2.2 cm x 5.4 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140840

Figure is adhered to stand and is unable to be removed. Front area of base repaired with small chips and light adhesive residue along break line. Minor chips and pressure fissures to base, legs, body, head, and suspension loop, with softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits and nice light patina throughout.