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Small statuette of a hippopotamus

Early Dynastic Period
ca. 3100–2649 B.C.
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 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

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