Moon Baboon

Baboons appear to be an ape highly connected to the moon from what my research suggests with accompanying mysterious yet aggressive attributes. In ancient Egypt, the baboon was apparently loyal to the lunar god Thoth with countless representations of this deity in baboon form, many in silver which also links back to the association with the satelitte. The potentially dangerous and aggressive creatures were also represented as ‘Hapi’ one of the four Canopic jar guardians and sons of Horus, Hapi protected the lungs. Further south in Africa, in Cote d’Ivoire, there is an abundance of baboon sculpture or 'Mbra'. "Baule Monkeys are powerful objects, which are forbidden to be seen in public display. Monkey figures share stylistic features with the mens´s sacred masks, and have some of the qualities of secrecy and danger to women. They combine animal and human traits in such way that it is nearly impossible to separate them, and they have the prominent teeth and boxy muzzle typical of the masks. Both also receive sacrificial offerings directly on the sculpture, and are associated with the bush. Mbra monkey figures, for example are kept in the village, but "fed" with sacrifices in the bush." - Susan Vogel. The last two images where Baule people have incorporated real baboon skulls have made them the most harrowing African sculptures I've seen!

In modern representation, there are still links to the lunar association the baboon once had as for example the illustration blog ‘Ape on the Moon’ at least has this vague connection. In artwork around the Internet I did see this connection arise in various areas.

Fashion baboon by Mattias Mackler and a French Deco lamp

 Metalized baboon skull on sale

'Rafiki: Baboon Of The Moon' - Kevin Tran

Saint Mandrill - Sam Chivers  (Though not a baboon this image still indicates the
link to religion and the moon)