Why were baboons sacred to ancient Egyptians? Here's how religious and cultural beliefs likely inspired the mummification of these monkeys.
Why were baboons sacred to ancient Egyptians? Here's how religious and cultural beliefs likely inspired the mummification of these monkeys.The tombs at Tuna el-Gebel are ornate. Dating back to the Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt, one chamber in the massive necropolis offers a curious glimpse into ancient Egyptian belief. Square windows, framed with ornate script, open into vaults holding mummified remains — but not from any human.
Some researchers think that the Egyptians believed the baboons had a special way to communicate with the sun god, Ra, and the moon good Thoth. It’s possible that ancient Egyptians revered baboons after observing the way they communicate, leading them to infer the animals' ability to commune with these gods.
Over a period of 3,000 years, baboons were nearly always depicted in the same way — sitting down with their hands placed on their knees, often with protruding genitals. One of the early depictions of baboons dates back to the first dynasty, a small statue known as the Narmer baboon.baboons were more available at certain times due to trade politics, despite their natural range coming from farther regions of Egypt.
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