Ancient Egyptian Crocodile Mummy | X-Ray Verified | Authentic Animal Votive Offering | 664–100 BCE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Egypt
Material: Linen wrappings, organic remains
Period: Late Period to Early Roman Period, circa 664 BC – 100 AD
Description
This authentic ancient Egyptian mummified juvenile crocodile is a captivating and exceedingly rare specimen, dating from the Late Period to the Early Roman Period (circa 664 BC – 100 AD) — over 2,000 years old. Revered as a sacred representation of Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, protection, and the life-giving power of the Nile, this artifact embodies Egypt’s profound spiritual reverence for the natural world.
Originally part of a matched pair, this specimen has been X-ray verified, with the radiograph image included in the photo gallery. The scan confirms the presence of an intact crocodilian skeleton within the linen wrappings, affirming its authenticity and votive nature. Measuring approximately 11.5 inches in length, the crocodile retains its original votive form, carefully bound in layers of aged linen. Despite its immense age, it remains remarkably well preserved, offering rare insight into Egypt’s animal-mummification rituals and temple-based devotional practices.
Features
- Tightly bound linen wrappings showing darkened tonality and fraying consistent with antiquity
- Ritual mummification reflecting professional embalming methods used for votive offerings to Sobek
- X-ray verified with confirmed internal crocodile skeleton and wrapping pattern
- Originally created as one of a matched pair of votive crocodiles
- Dedicated as a sacred gift for divine favor and protection under Sobek’s power
- Placed in temple crypts or sacred caches, symbolizing the link between faith, fertility, and preservation
- Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity with comparative analysis to examples in the Cairo Museum and British Museum
- Professionally stabilized and conserved for long-term preservation and display
Cultural Significance
Mummified crocodiles were sacred votive offerings to Sobek, venerated as the divine lord of the Nile’s fertility and its fearsome guardian. Worshippers offered such mummies within temples at Kom Ombo and Fayum to secure protection and prosperity. The enduring preservation of this example reflects not only Egypt’s remarkable embalming skill but also the deep spiritual devotion that defined its funerary and religious culture.
Condition
Exceptionally well preserved with stabilized linen wrappings and light age-related wear. Professionally conserved and X-ray verified; no modern restoration or alteration.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 11.5 in
Age
Circa 664 BC – 100 AD (Over 2,000 years old)
Learn & Explore
Also see our Ancient Egyptian Cat Mummy
From Our Blog: What X-Rays Reveal Inside Ancient Egyptian Animal Mummies
Read More from UC Berkley Anthropology Department: What Crocodile Mummies Can Tell Us About Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt
Learn About The Unusual Embalming of Crocodiles in Egypt Through National Geographic: The Crocodile Mummies Are Unraveling a Mystery
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Egypt
Material: Linen wrappings, organic remains
Period: Late Period to Early Roman Period, circa 664 BC – 100 AD
Description
This authentic ancient Egyptian mummified juvenile crocodile is a captivating and exceedingly rare specimen, dating from the Late Period to the Early Roman Period (circa 664 BC – 100 AD) — over 2,000 years old. Revered as a sacred representation of Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, protection, and the life-giving power of the Nile, this artifact embodies Egypt’s profound spiritual reverence for the natural world.
Originally part of a matched pair, this specimen has been X-ray verified, with the radiograph image included in the photo gallery. The scan confirms the presence of an intact crocodilian skeleton within the linen wrappings, affirming its authenticity and votive nature. Measuring approximately 11.5 inches in length, the crocodile retains its original votive form, carefully bound in layers of aged linen. Despite its immense age, it remains remarkably well preserved, offering rare insight into Egypt’s animal-mummification rituals and temple-based devotional practices.
Features
- Tightly bound linen wrappings showing darkened tonality and fraying consistent with antiquity
- Ritual mummification reflecting professional embalming methods used for votive offerings to Sobek
- X-ray verified with confirmed internal crocodile skeleton and wrapping pattern
- Originally created as one of a matched pair of votive crocodiles
- Dedicated as a sacred gift for divine favor and protection under Sobek’s power
- Placed in temple crypts or sacred caches, symbolizing the link between faith, fertility, and preservation
- Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity with comparative analysis to examples in the Cairo Museum and British Museum
- Professionally stabilized and conserved for long-term preservation and display
Cultural Significance
Mummified crocodiles were sacred votive offerings to Sobek, venerated as the divine lord of the Nile’s fertility and its fearsome guardian. Worshippers offered such mummies within temples at Kom Ombo and Fayum to secure protection and prosperity. The enduring preservation of this example reflects not only Egypt’s remarkable embalming skill but also the deep spiritual devotion that defined its funerary and religious culture.
Condition
Exceptionally well preserved with stabilized linen wrappings and light age-related wear. Professionally conserved and X-ray verified; no modern restoration or alteration.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Length: 11.5 in
Age
Circa 664 BC – 100 AD (Over 2,000 years old)
Learn & Explore
Also see our Ancient Egyptian Cat Mummy
From Our Blog: What X-Rays Reveal Inside Ancient Egyptian Animal Mummies
Read More from UC Berkley Anthropology Department: What Crocodile Mummies Can Tell Us About Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt
Learn About The Unusual Embalming of Crocodiles in Egypt Through National Geographic: The Crocodile Mummies Are Unraveling a Mystery
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