Constructed during the New Kingdom era in Egypt, this artifact depicts a recumbreant jackal. Carved from calcite, the sculpture stands at 4 3/4 x 9 5/8 x 3 1/8 inches, with a notable attention to detail despite its modest size.
The jackal, serving as a symbol of Anubis, the Egyptian deity of mummification and the afterlife, is sculpted with anatomical accuracy. The details of the creature, such as the deeply incised eyes, illustrate a sense of vigilance, highlighting a divine interpretation of the figure. The long, slender body of the sculpture communicates an understated dignity and grace.
The artifact's importance is underscored by its calcite material, a crystal-like substance, further enhancing its sacred significance. The polished surface allows for an interplay of light and shadow, giving the resting creature an impression of spiritual presence. Calcite was often used intentionally in artifacts with ritual importance due to its perceived connection with the sun's divine energy.
The quality of craftsmanship suggests that a skilled artisan created the piece, demonstrating superior skill and wealth. The sculpture offers a significant insight into the advanced theological concepts and cultural aesthetics of Egypt during 1550–1295 B.C. A partially remaining inscription on the base indicates an offering formula, supporting the theory of the object's votive role.
The artifact's discovery at Saqqara, a prosperous burial ground during the time which functioned as a necropolis for the ancient capital, Memphis, emphasizes its probable purpose as a funerary offering. This origin bolsters the religious importance of the artifact, and its place in the funerary practices of its era.
