The Goddess Taweret with a Feline Head

Unknown

664–332 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

In this depiction of Taweret, the goddess is shown with a feline head and on top of her head seems to be a small animal. As usual her massive hippopotamus torso includes the pendulous breasts of a woman, while the tail of a crocodile is on her back. Her human arms end in the paws of a lion and she stands upright on the legs of a lion. This hybrid creature combines the elements of dangerous and fertile creatures, perfect for a goddess that was meant to protect women and their children. In front of her legs is the sa-symbol, a protective loop that was also used as a hieroglyph to write the word for "protection" and for "amulet." The object here is a very small figurine that might have been used as a protective amulet, but it is also possible that it was a personal object of adoration or a gift to Taweret expressing the hope for her help and protection.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–332 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1915