Apis, the Bull God Figurine
ca. 2nd millennium BCE
Private Collection of Emeritus Professor Douglas A. Knight
The manifestation of Ptah of Memphis, the Apis figurine is typically black, sometimes with a white triangle on the forehead. Between its horns are the sun-disk and the cobra Uraeus. Several features are inscribed on its back: on its shoulders and rump are the wings of the vulture-goddess, and in between as well as on the neck is ornamentation appearing to be textiles. The Apis bull was used as an oracle on festival days in Memphis. Apis is Greek for Egyptian Hep or Hapi.