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Hairpin with a Figure of a Hippopotamus

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1981–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111

The figure of an erect hippopotamus represents a goddess invoked as the protector of women in pregnancy and childbirth. Known as Ipi or Taweret ("The Great One"), she is often depicted with a crocodile stretched over her head and along her back. In the form of a hairpin, the goddess was intended to guard its wearer from harm. For an illustration of how the hairpin was used, see 26.3.353ww.

Hairpin with a Figure of a Hippopotamus, Bone — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Hairpin with a Figure of a Hippopotamus, Bone

Hairpin with a Figure of a Hippopotamus, Bone

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Title: Hairpin with a Figure of a Hippopotamus

Period: Middle Kingdom

Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13

Date: ca. 1981–1640 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt

Medium: Bone

Dimensions: H. 7.3 × W. 1.1 × D. 1.5 cm (2 7/8 × 7/16 × 9/16 in.)

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907

Accession Number: 07.228.165

Chronology

Egypt, 2000-1000 B.C.

The Art of Medicine in Ancient Egypt

The Art of Medicine in Ancient Egypt

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The Met

Egyptian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of ancient Egyptian art consists of approximately 26,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural importance, dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman period.