Inlay depicting Thoth as the ibis with a maat feather

Unknown

4th century B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

This exquisite piece of inlay from a shrine shows Thoth, god of writing and all things intellectual, as an ibis walking atop a standard. Its beak is supported by a feather—the symbol of Maat, goddess of justice and closely associated with Thoth. The artist beautifully captured the halting stride of the bird, which seems to be considering its every step.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th century B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926