Baboon holding an inscribed stela dedicated to Iretherukhef

Statues of elite men bearing stelae (stelophorous) first appeared in the Eighteenth Dynasty, often inscribed with hymns dedicated to the rising and the setting sun. This figurine might be drawing on these forms while depicting a baboon before the stela. Iretherukhef, named on the stela, could be therefore evoking the baboons who welcome the rising sun. Through their daily adoration of the sun, these primates were models of ancient Egyptian engagement with the divine.
At the same time, baboons are also often associated with the god Thoth, whose name seems to appear at the beginning of the inscribed stela in its ibis form. This figurine might therefore be a creative and playful play with both of the baboon’s associations. It is the symbol of the adored god as well as the act of adoration.