An Egyptian Bronze Ibis, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Animals This shift in aesthetic tastes

This shift in aesthetic tastes is thought to have been influenced by the Emperor's favorite concubine

one of the mythic protective functions of griffins in earlier Mesopotamian cultures was to guard treasure and the rich montane gold deposits

Such objects were thought to create a tangible link to the divine realm

Provenance:  Private Maryland collection of a diplomat

The surviving section is gently curved and pierced along the upper and lower margins with regularly spaced perforations allowing it to be sewn to a leather or cloth backing for greater comfort

An Egyptian Bronze Ibis, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Animals This shift in aesthetic tastesA well cast bronze figure of an ibis shown seated with legs folded beneath the body and the tail feathers resting against the ground. The bird is rendered with an elegantly curved neck and elongated beak, capturing the distinctive profile of the sacred ibis. The figure is mounted upon an integral rectangular base, likely serving as a votive support or attachment element. The surface displays rich dark brown patination with areas of green encrustation