Relief of a baboon unleashed to catch criminals

Hieroglyphs and artwork have survived the ages depicting Egyptian authorities using baboon on leashes to catch criminals, in much the way modern police would use a dog. The most surprising use for trained baboons was as police animals.

This artifact offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovative methods employed by ancient Egyptians in maintaining law and order, highlighting their unique approach to integrating animals into societal functions.

One shocking bit of classical Egyptian artwork depicts authorities unleashing a baboon on a thief in a marketplace, and the criminal begging them to call the animal off as it bites his leg.

Scenes of daily life on tomb walls recalled the life of the deceased in this world. This part of the low-relief of Tepemankh is an example.

A nude man is grasped round the legs by a large baboon. He is trying to keep the baboon away with his left arm. A second man is behind them. He is wearing a short kilt and holding a whip with one hand. On his other hand he leads a female baboon who is carrying a baby. There are still traces of color.

In ancient Egypt, baboons were not only revered for their association with the god Thoth, the deity of wisdom and writing, but also played practical roles in society. Their strength, agility, and intelligence made them effective in law enforcement tasks, such as subduing thieves. The depiction of baboons in this context underscores the multifaceted relationship between humans and animals in ancient Egyptian culture.

Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty, ca. 2498-2345 BC. Detail from the Mastaba of Tepemankh, Saqqara necropolis. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 37101