Egyptian statue/ Sculpture / art - Anubis Pharaoh hound / Basenji god of mummification

Anubis statue

Dimensions - Height - 22 cm / 8 - 1/2 inches
Base - 14 x 8cm / 5-1/2 x 3-1/8 inches



This statue features the well known god Anubis or 'Anpu' in ancient Egyptian dialect. Variously identified as a Jackal or north African wolf, the modern day descendant takes form in the Pharaoh hound or Basenji.
Anubis was the god of mummification and one of his special roles was to lead a soul into the hall of judgement.
Here he would tend the scales of justice during the weighing of the heart ritual in the company of the Goddess of truth and harmony - Maat. Thoth - the God of writing and records would tabulate the results. Ammut the devourer of wicked souls, was on hand to consume the deceased if it had been proved that his or her heart was essentially bad.
Presiding over the whole scene would be the seated God of the next world - Osiris whose eternal company was sought.

This particular version is a replica of a well preserved ancient artefact typical of the well formed animal statuary of the late period of Egyptian art. Well formed muscles and proportions, and even the depiction of ribs makes this statue an exceptional example. The head is ever so slightly tilted to the right.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone, it is enhanced with a well developed aged earthy black colouration. A felt lined base will protect your furniture.



I have always liked Anubis as there is something very alluring about the slender jackal form, especially in profile. This seated variety is a more unusual representation of the god when compared to the abundant prone or reclining types such as the striking example in Tutankhamun's tomb.