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Temple Baptismal Fonts

Dear Gramps,

I’ve observed that on the baptismal font in the temple, one or more of the oxen have horns that are pointing backwards. Is there any symbolism/meaning to this or is it just artistic license? Thank you.

Genia

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Genia,

I must thank you for a lovely afternoon. After reading your question, I spent some pleasurable time looking through various pictures of temple baptismal fonts. I have seen some oxen granted uniqueness from their horn orientation. I have also seen enough that are copies of a single model to know that what you describe isn’t a staple for font oxen. I would attribute the variations to artistic license. The only consistent standard is that there be 12 oxen, patterned after the font in Solomon’s temple (some modern temples were originally constructed with a bas-relief of 12 oxen to remind the patron of the symbol).