Late Dynastic Period, Ca. 664-332 BC A bright blue faience amulet of the ibis-headed god Thoth with the body of human. A suspension hole through the centre for attachment to a mummy. A trapezoidal base with a flat reverse. During the Old Kingdom, baboons, due to their intelligence, were closely associated with Thoth, one of the most important Egyptian deities. He was thought to be the god of thought, intelligence, and writing. As a sacred animal to Thoth, baboons were often depicted supervising scribes during their work. Baboons also had various funerary roles. They were custodians of the first door to the underworld.Carol Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt (Austin 1994), frontis and page 24, figure 20. Size: L:47mm / W:17mm; 6.1g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1960s UK collection.