Already in the Early Dynastic Period, Egyptians deposited faience figurines of wild animals in temple precincts. These figurines were reintroduced in the 12th Dynasty, but as a component of burial equipment and with new species added to the repertoire. The controlled representation of desert animals may have assured the Egyptians of eternal safety, though.. http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?exhibitionId={36BFD863-BD71-4D58-B1B2-F3F865084DBB}&oid=591228&pkgids=331&pg=8&rpp=20&pos=159&ft=*