Jackal standard

Unknown

664–30 B.C. · Cupreous metal · Egyptian Art

The canine deity Wepwawet stands on the upper portion of a papyriform standard; he is attentive and alert with his ears pricked forward. Wepwawet was known as the "Opener of the Ways" and on temple reliefs and stelae, such standards were frequently carried in processions and festivals. The god was chiefly associated with Osiris and his cult practices in this period. Osiris was overwhelmingly popular in the Late and Ptolemaic Periods as a dedication and the frequent representation of Wepwawet standards in copper alloy may be linked to that popularity. It seems unlikely that this figure was an actual standard, as it would have been too small to be easily visible. Instead it may have been a standalone offering or been used in another as yet unknown setting.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–30 B.C.

Medium

Cupreous metal

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Funds from various donors, 1886