Egyptian Bronze Sculpture of a Mongoose - FZ.033 Origin: Sinai, Egypt Circa: 600
BC
to 300
BC Dimensions:1.375" (3.5cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Catalogue: V1 Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Medium: Bronze
In a land like Egypt filled with serpents, the
Ichneumon-- the sacred mongoose of the Nile--
enjoyed a special status. Swift and clever, he
alone was able to outwit the anger of the cobra.
A statue like this might have been offered to the
mongoose god in return for his protection from
snakebite. Though we are perhaps in less danger
from such things today, it could hardly hurt to
have this charming creature on our side.
- (FZ.033)