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Standing Hippopotamus

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1810–1700 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
Among the faience animals found in Middle Kingdom tombs, the best known is undoubtedly the hippopotamus, rendered in a variety of poses that represent this fearsome animal in its natural state, and decorated with images of the plants and animals found in its marshy habitat. This small faience hippopotamus was found in the wrappings of Renisnenb's mummy at the small of the back. Also in the wrappings were a mirror (26.7.1351), a necklace (26.7.1349), and a shen amulet (26.7.1347).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Standing Hippopotamus
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13
  • Date: ca. 1810–1700 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Birabi, pit tomb CC 25, burial of Reniseneb, back of mummy, Carnarvon/Carter excavations, 1910
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: L. 11.7 cm (4 5/8 in.); H. 5.7 (2 1/4 in.); W. 5 cm (1 15/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.898
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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