Figurine of a baboon

Figurine of a baboon

In the Protodynastic temples of Abydos, Elephantine and Hierokonpolis, archaeologists have found deposits of votive offerings containing amongst other things small animal figurines, such as lions, gazelles, pelicans, crocodiles, scorpions, monkeys and frogs. This small object of faience represents a baboon and comes from the excavations of W. F. Petrie at Abydos. The baboon, known as the "Great White" (Hedj-Wer), was venerated from the Protodynastic Period onwards and had a sacred link with the god Khentimentiu at Abydos. It could be that this baboon god was assimilated with Thoth, god of wisdom and of writing, also represented in egyptian religion as a baboon.

GOVERNORATE OF SOHAG: ABYDOS

FAYENCE

EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD/THINITE PERIOD

Inventory number E.0502

KMKG - MRAH

http://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/record.aspx?id=112