Hippopotamus figurine

Unknown

ca. 1850–1700 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

This seated hippopotamus is depicted with its head turned to the side and its mouth open. This could either indicate that the hippo is roaring, or baring its teeth, which hippos do when feeling threatened, to intimate their opponents. The inside of the hippo’s mouth is painted red.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1850–1700 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1908