Mummified ibis wrapped in linen bands. Radiographs reveal a complete and articulated skeleton of an ibis that appears to be a good condition with no obvious fracturing and displacement of the bones. There is an egg-shaped mass visible in the centre of the bundle which appears to be granular in nature (compare with another ibis mummy in the collection no. 42.18.1).


Ibises were sacred birds of Thoth the god of scribes and writing. The long beak of the ibis reminded the Egyptians of a scribe’s pen dipped in ink. Worshippers donated bronze and faience figures or the mummified remains of an ibis as gifts to Thoth.

X-rayed at National Museums Liverpool (Collections Care dept) 28 August 2024.

Mummified Ibis | National Museums Liverpool

title

Mummified ibis wrapped in linen bands. Radiographs reveal a complete and articulated skeleton of an ibis that appears to be a good condition with no obvious fracturing and displacement of the bones. There is an egg-shaped mass visible in the centre of the bundle which appears to be granular in nature (compare with another ibis mummy in the collection no. 42.18.1). Ibises were sacred birds of Thoth the god of scribes and writing. The long beak of the ibis reminded the Egyptians of a scribe’s pen dipped in ink. Worshippers donated bronze and faience figures or the mummified remains of an ibis as gifts to Thoth. X-rayed at National Museums Liverpool (Collections Care dept) 28 August 2024.

Mummified Ibis

Information