Tilapia nilotica E 13416
Sully Room 3 window 2 (10-12)
Because the tilapia incubates
its young in its mouth
and spits them out
when they are fully formed,
This fish was probably taken
as a symbol of resurrection.
Tilapia fish and the origin of the word Ichthus,
a symbol of resurrection
The name originates from the word ichthus and the monogram IXTHUS (IHS), an emblem of the early Christians of Egypt. It means "Jesus Christ, the son of God Saviour" Iesous Theou Yios Christos Soter.
Basin with
the monogram of Christ
OA 4029
Richelieu 1st Floor
Valencia CorridorRoom 5
Spain, Manises
First half of the fifteenth century
Earthenware gloss
Tilapia fish, and the origin the monogram emblem IHS
of the early Christians of Egypt
Remnants of Kellia, these cells for monks who settled in the southeast desert of Alexandria at the beginning of our era have yielded traces of fish, a sign of the new faith and of Christ the Saviour. However, there are many times that the fish appear in ancient pagan symbolism, often without any relation to aquatics.
One example of the whole image, drawn by a monk on the wall of his cell, is now in the Musée du Louvre. We can distinguish very clearly the fish through the cross.
Relief for fish to cross
MA 3034
Denon Mezzanine Room B
IV century AD
Not visible now
See also
Tank fragmentary sarcophagus Livia My Primitiva 2983, Denon Room 28
The image of the good shepherd surrounded by sheep and the presence of an anchor and a fish indicate the significance of the deceased to the Christian community.
