Scarab with the Representation of a Hippo

Middle Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

A hippo turns its head towards the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nfr). More signs are placed above and below. The hippo has an ambivalent meaning in ancient Egypt. While it was considered one of the country’s most dangerous animals, the hippo was also a symbol for rebirth and regeneration. The positive nature of the accompanying hieroglyphs indicates that the representation of a hippo had a protective function for the scarab’s owner.

Scarab with the Representation of a Hippo, Bright blue glazed steatite

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