Egyptian Bronze Apis Bull

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period,664 to 525 BCE. A remarkable Egyptian cast bronze Apis bull standing with one leg stretched slightly forward. This petite figure's head is molded with an impressive amount of detail, featuring two horizontal cone-shaped horns followed by leaf-shaped ears that flank a broad snout with flared nostrils and a long mouth. The beast's thick neck is decorated with four wavy lines of varying lengths on either side, to represent folds of flesh. Similarly, its strong build is textured with scattered dots and lines to highlight his fur. Apis bulls were immensely important in Ancient Egypt and when one died, Egyptians would leave small votives, such as this, at the burial site. A rare and intriguing find! Size: 3.5" L x .875" W x 1.875" H (8.9 cm x 2.2 cm x 4.8 cm)

Apis was originally worshipped by Narmer, the ruler who unified Upper and Lower Egypt around 3000 BCE - the sacred bull is shown trampling the pharaoh's enemies on the Narmer palette that commemorates the unification. Three thousand years later, by the time of Roman control of Egypt, the worship continued. Though centered around the city of Memphis, the cult of Apis was so extensive in Egypt that the Greeks and Romans wrote about it repeatedly. The famous French archaeologist Mariette, excavating at the Serapeum of Saqqara, found the mummified remains of more than sixty bulls, some buried in their own separate tombs.

An example of a similar Apis Bull votive can be found at the Brooklyn Museum (Accession Number: 05.367).

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#157959
Condition Report: Missing some projecting details, as well as a small piece atop the head. Expected abrasions, scratches, and nicks. Remnants of an adhesive are present on the ends of each leg, likely from previous display. Lovely earthen deposits throughout.