The bull Apis

Attribution:

Sandra Whiteway

Key Dates

370

This statue of the Bull Apis dates from the rule of Nectanebo I, a 30th Dynasty pharoah who ruled from 379 to 361.

Key People

French archaeologist Auguste Mariette was responsible for the excavations at Saqqara, during which the remains of the Serapeum - the necropolis of the sacred Apis bulls - were discovered, together with a processional avenue leading to the shrine. He discovered the tombs of over sixty bulls. He founded the Cairo museum, and found time to write a scenario for an opera, which eventually became Verdi's Aida.

The sacred bull Apis was associated with the Pharoah, one of whose titles was 'Victorious Bull'. Sacred bulls were chosen according to various criteria, including the triangular white mark on the forehead. They were kept in their own 'court' at Memphis and their mummified remains were kept in the Serapeum at Saqqara, where they were worshipped. Popular devotion to the bull is shown in the dedication of numerous steles to the god. In later Egypt the Apis bull is also identified with Osiris, becoming the 'bull Osiris' after its death. This fine sculpture was found under a wooden structure along the avenue that leads to the Serapeum. It commemorates a bull which died under Pharoah Nectanebo I. It was originally painted.

Origin & Collection

Discovered at:

Serapeum

On display at:

The Louvre

Additional information on display location:

Sully wing, Room 19

Reference Number:

N390

Physical properties

Height:

126.00cm