Ancient Egyptian Faience Statuette-Amulet of Thoth with Ibis Head
This exquisite ancient Egyptian faience statuette, believed to date from the Late or Ptolemaic Period (6th–1st century B.C.), showcases the vibrancy of light green faience and stands at a height of 11.6 cm. Though in good condition, it should be noted that the beak has undergone some restoration. The statuette maintains a portion of its original turquoise hue and features a matte/satin finish, which is slightly obscured by a beige layer likely caused by environmental conditions during its storage.
The figure is elegantly set on a robust, rectangular pedestal, reinforced by a vertical pillar extending to shoulder height. Notably, the artist chose not to hollow out the area between the legs, which adds to its structural integrity. The small cylindrical elements at ear level feature vertical perforations, suggesting that this statuette was designed to be worn as an amulet. This depiction of Thoth, the Egyptian deity, embodies his human form with an ibis head, illustrated as a youthful figure standing in a vivid, upright pose. His limbs are positioned naturally, with arms alongside the torso and the left leg in a forward stride, while his head is held upright.
Although Thoth is depicted nude, he adorns himself with a striped tripartite wig that cascades down his shoulders and upper back. His human visage is entirely replaced by the elongated ibis head, complete with a curved beak and ornate markings on the neck that evoke the look of a bird’s esophagus. The overall representation, while capturing naturalism, teeters on the edge of the grotesque, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship in its soft anatomical features, specifically in the chest, abdomen, and legs.
Thoth, recognized as a lunar deity associated with intellect and writing, held a revered position in the pantheon, particularly in Hermopolis. His capabilities encompassed all cerebral activities, positioning him as the overseer of writing and language. Additionally, he was tasked with numerical computation, managing time, and organizing the calendar — key functions in ancient Egyptian culture. As a divine scribe, Thoth played a crucial role during the judgment of the deceased by Osiris, tallying their sins. His veneration extended into magic and healing, marking him as a versatile figure in the myths of ancient Egypt. The tradition of representing Thoth as a humanoid figure with an ibis head traces back to the New Kingdom, perpetuating through the ages as funerary artifacts gained popularity.
Provenance
This statuette’s historical journey includes notable collections, beginning with ex-M. H. Hoffmann, France, followed by a public auction in May 1895, and ultimately belonging to ex-Charles Gillot’s collection from France.
Bibliography
References to similar artifacts and scholarly works include Andrews’ “Amulets of Ancient Egypt,” Caubet’s “Faïences de l’antiquité,” Friedman’s “Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience,” and Schoske and Wildung’s examination of deities in ancient Egypt, offering insight into the cultural significance and artistic merit of such relics.
