Small statuette of a hippopotamus
Excavated from a deposit near an early shrine, this figurine of a hippo was most likely a gift to Khentiamentiu, the funerary deity who preceded Osiris at the Abydos temple. The hippo’s form is skillfully modeled, employing only a few, well-placed details to convey succinctly the animal’s identity.
Throughout the Predynastic Period (ca. 4400-3100 B.C.), representations of hippos were placed in tombs and other ritual contexts. This animal was feared and as a result became the subject of hunting scenes. Others, however, were depicted pregnant and so may have served as fertility symbols. In this example, neither function appears likely. Here the hippo may have symbolized the Nile River, a critical feature of the ancient Egyptian’s world.
Throughout the Predynastic Period (ca. 4400-3100 B.C.), representations of hippos were placed in tombs and other ritual contexts. This animal was feared and as a result became the subject of hunting scenes. Others, however, were depicted pregnant and so may have served as fertility symbols. In this example, neither function appears likely. Here the hippo may have symbolized the Nile River, a critical feature of the ancient Egyptian’s world.
Artwork Details
- Title: Small statuette of a hippopotamus
- Period: Early Dynastic Period
- Date: ca. 3100–2649 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Abydos, Osiris Temple, Chamber M89, Egypt Exploration Fund excavations, 1902–03
- Medium: Calcite
- Dimensions: L. 8.8 cm (3 7/16 in.); H. 5.3 cm (2 1/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1903
- Object Number: 03.4.1
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 2246–2152 B.C.
ca. 2051–2000 B.C.
ca. 3100–2900 BCE
ca. 2446–2389 B.C.
ca. 2446–2389 B.C.
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.