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Copper alloy figure of an ichneumon (mongoose): E.214.1954

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Current Location: Gallery 19

Titles

Copper alloy figure of an ichneumon (mongoose)

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Description

Ichneumon (mongoose), standing on hind legs. The ichneumon, also known as the Pharaoh's rat, was a furry 65cm animal with a 45cm tail, which lived in the papyrus thicket. It was prized as a controller of rodents and snakes. The ichneumon was also associated with the sun god.

Measurements and weight

Height: 13.5 cm

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1954) by Greg, Robert, Sir

Dating

Ptolemaic Period
-0332 - -0030

Materials used in production

bronze Copper alloy

Techniques used in production

Cast (process)

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: E.214.1954
Primary reference Number: 62270

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Friday 18 July 2025

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Antiquities

Citation for print

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The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Copper alloy figure of an ichneumon (mongoose)" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/62270 Accessed: 2025-12-07 16:14:47

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/62270 |title=Copper alloy figure of an ichneumon (mongoose) |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-07 16:14:47|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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