Inlay in the form of an Owl

Top part of a an owl inlay hieroglyph in a hard faience with polychrome glaze. Only the head and upper part of the body and wing are preserved. The feathers are executed in blue, with the eyes and beak in yellow. Probably from a shrine.

In ancient Egypt, faience owl inlays were commonly used as decorative elements. Faience, a type of glazed ceramic, was a popular material for creating various objects, including jewelry, amulets, and inlays.

Owl inlays were a common decorative element in ancient Egyptian art and craftsmanship. These inlays were typically made of materials such as faience, a glazed ceramic, or precious metals like gold or silver. Owl inlays were often used to adorn various objects, including furniture, sarcophagi, jewelry, and ceremonial items.

The owl inlays showcased the artistic skills of ancient Egyptian craftsmen, who meticulously crafted these pieces with intricate details and vibrant colors. The owl motif was chosen for its symbolic significance, representing wisdom, protection, and the connection to the afterlife.

These inlays were not limited to owls alone; other animal motifs were also popular in ancient Egyptian art. However, the owl inlays specifically captured the essence of the owl’s symbolism and were incorporated into various aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, adding a touch of beauty and meaning to the objects they adorned.

Owls were significant symbols in Egyptian culture, often associated with wisdom and protection. These faience owl inlays were typically crafted with intricate details and vibrant colors, showcasing the artistic skills of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. These inlays were often incorporated into furniture, sarcophagi, and other ornamental objects, adding a touch of beauty and symbolism to the ancient Egyptian aesthetic.

Owls were considered symbols of wisdom and intelligence. The nocturnal nature of owls, their ability to see in the dark, and their observant behavior were seen as attributes of wisdom. They were often associated with the goddess of wisdom, Seshat.

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664-30 BC. Made of Egyptian Faience. Now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 1971.773