the Ibis, animal-God: One of the treasures of Marseille

A relic - dating from one or two centuries BC - is exhibited at the Old Charity, in the heart of Marseille. It's a  Ibis., revered in ancient Egypt. This one is made of holly wood gilded with leaves, its beak is a silver alloy, its garnet eyes rimmed with gold...

The revered Ibis

Sacred bird in ancient Egypt, the Ibis is associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. He sits atop a sarcophagus.

No one is unaware of the cultural exchanges that have shaped Marseille over the centuries and this representation symbolizes the influence of different civilizations.

Cultural wealth of the city

The Ibis sarcophagus is a window into the past: this archaeological treasure underlines the importance of the meeting of classical Antiquity and Mediterranean civilizations.

Its exhibition at the Vieille Charité, a magnificent site built under Louis XIV, constitutes a setting that enhances the object.

Live ibises

The bird is rare, but it can be found in the West of France and in certain regions of Europe where it is being re-introduced.

Most species are of course native to Africa and America, however there is a Japanese Ibis...

Bellevue hotel 8 minutes walk from the Old Charity  -

Sarcophagus_Ibis_-_Musée_vieille_charité
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