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Figura di ippopotamo

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1961–1878 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
Sebbene le mandrie di ippopotami potessero distruggere le coltivazioni anche solo attraversando i campi, gli antichi Egizi veneravano questi animali come creature benefiche delle acque limacciose da cui prendeva origine ogni forma di vita. Questa doppia valenza di distruzione e creazione degli ippopotami donava alle loro immagini uno speciale potere magico e venivano perciò spesso lasciate nelle tombe. Questa statuetta di ippopotamo venne soprannominata William da una famiglia di visitatori del Museo. Essi raccontarono alla rivista comica Punch di conservarne una copia in casa e rivelarono che le espressioni del muso dell’animale indicavano assenso o dissenso nei confronti delle decisioni familiari.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Titolo: Figura di ippopotamo
  • Periodo: Primi anni del Medio Regno, inizi della XII dinastia
  • Data: ca. 1981-1885 a.C.
  • Area geografica: Meir, Tomba di Senbi
  • Materiale e tecnica: Faïence
  • Dimensioni: 11,2 x 20 cm
  • Crediti: Dono di Edward S. Harkness, 1917
  • Numero d'inventario: 17.9.1
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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3355. Figura di ippopotamo

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