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Apis Bull, 400-100 BC (serpentinite)
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Apis Bull, 400-100 BC (serpentinite)
499747 Apis Bull, 400-100 BC (serpentinite)
by Egyptian Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BC); 52.5x58 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Sacred animal cults have a long history in ancient Egypt, but they became even more important in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Because each god could incarnate himself into any animal species, beasts of all sorts--dogs, cats, ibises, crocodiles--were protected, venerated, mummified, and collected by the thousands in specialized animal cemeteries. The sacred bull cults were different. Apis, the bull of Memphis, was a god in his own right. But he was also associated with other deities, such as Ptah, the god of Memphis, and Osiris, in the form of Osiris-Apis (or Serapis). Statues and reliefs always show him crowned with a sun disk and cobra. When an Apis bull died, he was given a burial fit for a king in an area of the Memphite cemetery known as the Serapeum.
); Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund; Egyptian, out of copyright
Media ID 22670614
© Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the magnificent Apis Bull, a revered symbol of ancient Egyptian culture. Crafted from serpentinite and dating back to 400-100 BC, this remarkable artifact is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. In ancient Egypt, sacred animal cults held great significance, but during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, they reached even greater prominence. Animals such as dogs, cats, ibises, and crocodiles were protected, venerated, mummified, and buried in specialized animal cemeteries due to their association with various gods who could incarnate themselves into any species. However, the sacred bull cults stood apart. The Apis Bull was not only considered a god himself but also linked to other deities like Ptah and Osiris-Apis (or Serapis). Depicted in statues and reliefs crowned with a sun disk and cobra emblematic of divine power and protection. When an Apis Bull passed away, it received an elaborate burial befitting royalty within the Serapeum area of the Memphite cemetery. This practice emphasized their elevated status among all other animals honored by these religious traditions. Through this striking image captured by Bridgeman Images for Fine Art Finder's collection prints are now accessible for art enthusiasts worldwide. It allows us to appreciate not just its artistic beauty but also provides insight into the rich cultural heritage that shaped ancient Egypt's spiritual beliefs surrounding these majestic creatures.
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