Figure of an Ibis

The ibis was one manifestation of Thoth, the god associated with divine knowledge and writing. Late Period - Ptolemaic Period 664-30 BCE, Copper alloy, travertine and gold, H. 3.5 cm, W. 3 cm, D. 1 cm (ECM.1692-2010) The breed of ibis specifically sacred to Thoth is the African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) which became extinct...

Thoth and the African Sacred Ibis

In ancient Egypt, the ibis was one manifestation of Thoth, the god associated with divine knowledge and writing. The breed of ibis specifically sacred to Thoth is the African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) which became extinct in Egypt in the mid-19th century. This species has a white body, here represented by travertine, and a black...