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Thoth



Background:

Thoth
Thoth
664-525 B.C. (26th Dynasty)
Bronze
Gift of Lily Place

Key Ideas
Story
Background

Thoth
Votive Figures
Thoth
Crown
Style

Discussion Questions

Thoth
Thoth had many roles. In addition to being the god of the moon, the god of wisdom, and the measurer of time, he was scribe, moralist, messenger, and supreme magician. The ancient Egyptians credited him with inventing writing. He was the patron god of all arts, sciences, and intellectual pursuits. Ancient Egyptians believed that before the dead could enter the Afterworld, their hearts were weighed against a feather of truth to determine whether they had led good and honest lives. In his role as scribe, Thoth recorded the results of each judgment.

Statuette of Isis, Egypt, 1st century A.D., Bronze, 9 inches high, The Morse Foundation 68.9.5

Another votive statuette from ancient Egypt

Statuette of Isis
1st century A.D.
Bronze
Gift of The Morse Foundation

Votive Figures
In ancient Egypt, all events, large and small, were attributed to the influence of the gods. Only through worship and offerings to these gods could humans expect to maintain balance in their lives, both on earth and in the after-life. People placed small votive statues of gods at burial sites, inviting the gods to inhabit the sculptures and protect the deceased from evil. Other figures were used as offerings at temples. Artists mass-produced many bronze statuettes during the prosperous 26th Dynasty.

Thoth
This bronze statuette depicts Thoth in a typical manner, as a man with the head of an ibis, a large bird of the Nile. Egyptians associated the ibis's long curved beak with the moon, so the ibis was regarded as one of Thoth's earthly representatives. Thoth wears a simple loincloth and a long wig, both decorated with rows of fine lines. The holes in his hands suggest that they once held objects, probably a reed pen, an ATTRIBUTE of Thoth's role as a scribe, and either a palette for writing on or a staff, symbolizing his power.


Ibis Profile

 

Profile of an Ibis

 

Roll over the image to see the attributes from Thoth

Ram horns Solar disc Feathers of truth Crown of Upper Egypt Serpents with smaller discs

Crown
Thoth's crown is filled with symbols. (See detail.) The central part is the crown of Upper Egypt worn by pharaohs, which means Thoth was considered earthly royalty. The feathers of truth on each side of the center refer to Thoth's role in the judgment of the dead. The solar disc at the top indicates his cosmic powers, the serpents with smaller discs on the outsides symbolize his sovereignty, and the ram horns at the base attest to his strength and virility.

Style
The style and form of this seated statuette of Thoth are typical of Egyptian art. The symmetry of the piece, Thoth's rigid pose, and the formal ATTRIBUTES all recall the traditional style. The naturalistic curves of Thoth's torso, arms, and legs, however, suggest the influence of Greek art during this period of great trade between the two cultures.

Key Ideas Story Background Discussion Questions
 
 

 

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