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work of the month

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Unknown Egyptian (XXVI Dynasty, 736-333 B. C.)
Ibis
Bronze; 2 1/8 inches
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

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WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Take a moment to tell us your thoughts about this piece of artwork. Using the questions listed below, let us know what is interesting, compelling or troubling for you about this work. Send your email response to museum@chrysler.org. The time you take will be greatly appreciated as it helps us better understand what information is most helpful to our public when viewing works in the Chrysler collections. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.

• What questions arise for you as you view this work?
  - Why are his feet so big? He looks so uncomfortable!
  - How did they do it? So long ago and so few tools, but yet the work is so detailed.
  - Why are the feet so big?
  - I wonder WHO made it?
  
• What do you enjoy most about the work?
  - I am fascinated with Egyptians and always have been.
  - Patina color and the bird's feet
  - The head of the bird
  - The Docent and I searched other works in the gallery for another Ibis -- I think I found one in the inscription on the wall diagonally across the room.
  
• What do you dislike about this work?
  - Is the beak broken?
  - The animal, seated, is not so graceful.
  
• Is there a story in this work for you? If so, what is the story you see in the work?
  - It tells me the Egyptian culture was involved in and concerned with nature. Lots of birds.
  
• What do you think this work means or says?
  - To the Egyptians, everyday animals had spiritual significance -- the object was a reminder.
  
• What aspects of the work are you most curious about, and what answers would you like to have about those aspects of the work?
  - I see a bird who is free! Freedom is an important thing in life.
  - This piece is very lovely and interesting!
  - I find the Ibis to be an ugly piece of art. It has an overbearing appearance and possesses features that are out of proportion with his body.