Art Institute of Chicago

Box for a Mummified Animal with Cobra Figure

Egyptian

Date

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period (664–30 BCE)

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Egypt

Department

Arts of Africa

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The body of this rearing cobra figure is supported by an ostrich feather, the symbol of the goddess Maat, who personified truth and justice. The box below (now empty) once contained a mummified animal. Ancient Egyptians presented objects like this in temples as votive gifts to gods and goddesses, tailoring the enclosed mummified animal to one that had a specific connection with the deity whose favor was sought. Such a gift in a sacred space could help ensure that the prayer would be received. The hieroglyphic inscription on the front of this box names the man who dedicated it and invokes Atum, a creator god whom the ancient Egyptians sometimes depicted in the form of a snake.

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