sacred ibis | oil on canvas

This scene captured on the Zambezi river is the sweeping flock of Sacred Ibis. They often travel in loose V-formations, conserving energy by riding the uplift created by the birds ahead — a simple, efficient way to cover long distances across Africa’s wetlands and floodplains. They also carry a thread of ancient history. In Egypt, the ibis was sacred to the god Thoth and symbolised wisdom and writing, so much so that thousands were mummified as offerings.