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Hippopotamus amulet

Predynastic, Naqada I–early Naqada II
ca. 3700–3450 B.C.
Not on view
Egyptologists understand this figurine to be an amulet, which was designed to be suspended by a cord passing through the holes above its back. This type of hippo figurine is distinctive for three reasons: they were made from pink limestone, created in pairs, and depicted as pregnant females. This last observation is evident by from the swollen belly that nearly touches the ground; most hippo statuettes do not display this feature.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hippopotamus amulet
  • Period: Predynastic, Naqada I–early Naqada II
  • Date: ca. 3700–3450 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Limestone (pink)
  • Dimensions: L: 7.4 x H: 4.4 x W: 2.2 cm (2 15/16 x 1 3/4 x 7/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.2.30
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Hippopotamus amulet - Predynastic, Naqada I–early Naqada II - The Metropolitan Museum of Art