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Scarab with the Representation of a Hippo

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1740–1640 B.C.
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Scarab with the Representation of a Hippo
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: mid to late Dynasty 13
  • Date: ca. 1740–1640 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations
  • Medium: Bright blue glazed steatite
  • Dimensions: L. 1.6 × W. 1.2 × H. 0.8 cm (5/8 × 1/2 × 5/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
  • Object Number: 22.1.384
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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