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Crocodile Heads

Location

EGYPT

Era

Late Period (722-332 B.C.E.), 26th Dynasty (664-525 B.C.E.)

Title

Crocodile Heads

Materials

Ivory

Dimensions

12.9 cm (w.)

Credits

Purchase, gift of F. Cleveland Morgan, inv. 1945.B.3

Collection

Archeology and World Cultures

Its meat eaten by the ancient Egyptians, the crocodile, incarnation of the god Sobek, was feared for its powerful, uncontrollable attacks. Venerated for its strength, the animal was treated as a living deity by the priests of Sobek, who would have it mummified upon death and even give it an official funeral worthy of a king.

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