Reproduction in patinated resin by hand. Mould made from an impression of the original work.
New Kingdom, 2nd Theban period, reign of Rameses II
A baboon is squatting on a small pedestal, with his hands sagely laid on its knees. But it would be sacrilege to mistake it for a pet. This monkey is one of...
Read more
Reproduction in patinated resin by hand. Mould made from an impression of the original work.
New Kingdom, 2nd Theban period, reign of Rameses II
A baboon is squatting on a small pedestal, with his hands sagely laid on its knees. But it would be sacrilege to mistake it for a pet. This monkey is one of the forms of the god Thoth, patron of the scribes. This is made clear by the offering table set at the base of the pedestal and the humble attitude of the scribe, humbly seated at his feet.
The scribe is reading a papyrus unrolled across his knees and bowing his head as a sign of devotion. The inscription encircling this little group invokes Thoth, "Master of divine words", on behalf of the scribe, whose titles are listed.
He is a high official called Nebmerutef, a priest, archivist and royal scribe with the rank of minister.
His sovereign, Amenophis III, granted him the very special favour of being portayed at his side on the walls of his temple at Soleb.
Close
