Thoth Ibis Egyptian God 3D printable model

In ancient Egypt, the ibis represented Thoth, the god associated with divine knowledge and writing. The African Sacred Ibis, which was sacred to Thoth, became extinct in Egypt in the mid-19th century. This particular species had a white body made of travertine and a black head, wing tips, and tail. It appears that this figure is missing a piece from its tail, which would have been a dark color.

The ostrich feather symbolizes Ma'at, the goddess of truth and order. Thoth, in his role as a judge, is often connected to the concept of ma'at. In the Hall of Judgment in the Egyptian underworld, Thoth would weigh the heart of the deceased against a ma'at feather to determine how they lived on earth.

Thoth was also known for his judging abilities in other myths, and even the gods would seek his divine advice. This figure could also represent Thoth as the retriever of the Eye of Ra, which is often associated with Ma'at. It is possible that this object refers to Thoth's search for Ma'at in the papyrus marshes.

The suspension loop behind the bird's neck suggests that this figure may have had an amuletic function. However, its solid flat base allowed it to stand upright as well, connecting the bird's feet and the standing feather. There is a similar companion to this tiny ibis (ECM 1691), which also strides and holds a ma'at feather. so downald Thoth Ibis Egyptian God 3D printable model

For more information on the Ibis figure and other ancient Egyptian artifacts, please visit the online exhibition Ancient Beings.