Artifacts

A significant new study has provided a surprise reason for an existing enigma of ancient Egyptian religion, in terms of two completely different animals being chosen for representing the same god. Sacred ibis and hamadryas baboon are believed to be the animal forms of the deity of ancient Egypt Thoth, also known as god of wisdom, writing, magic, and moon. So how do two such seemingly diverse creatures connect to one deity? The researchers suggest that both elements of sacred ibis and hamadryas baboon have similar reflecting qualities, as their feathers and fur are able to reflect light similarly to how moonlight is a reflection of the Sun. A sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) during the high-alpha phase of landing. (photograph