Origin: Egypt
Circa: 600 BC to 300 BC
Dimensions: 7.25" (18.4cm) high x 2.75" (7.0cm) wide
Collection: Egyptian
Medium: Bronze
The divine bull of Heliopolis was known to the Egyptians as Mer-Wer, although it is now most familiar by its Greek name Mnevis. Originally an independent deity it was subsequently incorporated into the worship of the sun god. In a similar fashion to the Apis bull of Memphis, Mnevis delivered oracles which were believed to convey the wishes of the sun god. Both deities are mentioned on the Rosetta Stone as recipients of Ptolemy V’s largesse. The attributes of Mnevis, clearly identifiable in this bronze, are the solar disk and uraeus (stylised upright cobra symbolising divine authority) situated between the horns. - (LA.503A)

Antiquities
Ancient Egyptian