7th - 4th centuries B.C., the birds are a near pair consisting of cast bronze elements fitted to wooden bodies covered in gesso.

One 10-3/8 x 16-1/4 in. and the other 11-1/2 x 15 in.

From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.

Thoth, the Egyptian god of learning and divine wisdom, was associated with the African Sacred Ibis. In fact, he is commonly depicted as a striding man with the head of an ibis.

The bronze has an even, somewhat dusty, lime green patina; the gesso is flaking on both birds, however one is more seriously compromised than the other. Overall good condition with potential for restoration.