Anubis Jackal Headed Ancient Egyptian God - Ceramic Sculpture Sculpture

Anubis is the protector of and guide to the underworld. He is usually depicted as a canine or a man with a canine head. One of his prominent roles was to preside over the "Weighing of the Heart" procedure to determine if the deceased soul was worthy to enter the underworld. The deceased heart was weighed against a feather. If it weighed more, it failed the test and was eaten by Ammit the crocodile god. Anubis is one of the most frequently depicted and mentioned deities. Often Anubis was portrayed in full animal form, with a "jackal" head and body, on top of the tomb. Most ancient tombs had prayers to Anubis carved on them.

The Ancient Egyptians worshipped a large number of gods going back into pre-history. Their beliefs and rituals formed the base of ancient Egyptian religion and were a part of all aspects of daily life. They had their own temples and the Pharoah was seen as their representative. Many deities were personified as animal gods and often depicted in human form with animal heads.

I have always been fascinated by the history, Myths and Legends shown in the Art and traditions of Ancient Egypt. There are many ancient Egyptian animal god sculptures in the British Museum in London that are wonderful to see. They suggest endless opportunities for creativity.

The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind.

The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work.

I use white stoneware clay and make using slab, carving and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln the second firing between 1100 and 1200c. Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes.

Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them.

Each piece is hand built and unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations.

Signed underneath with signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included.

Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.