Abstract
This study represents a secondary outcome of a research project on the presence of the northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) in ancient Egypt and its meaning in Egyptian religion and culture. A depiction of this bird was used in Egyptian script as the akh-sign (G 25), which is easily recognisable by the shape the bird's body, posture, short legs, long curved bill and, most significantly, a typical crest covering the back of its head.
The concept of akh is often translated as "effective/blessed spirit", and its basic meaning was related to effectiveness, mysterious power and a reciprocal relationship that crossed the borderlines of the natural world. The word evokes the idea of "efficient power of the transfigured dead", as well the same power of effectivity or helpfulness in living persons, and the "mysterious efficacy of magical spells".