Seal Amulet in the Shape of a Hippopotamus

Unknown

ca. 1550–1295 B.C. · Glazed steatite · Egyptian Art

This very small object is a seal amulet in the shape of a reclining hippopotamus. On its flat underside are three hieroglyphs that can be read as a wish: "Life, stability, and prosperity." A nice detail is the animation of the sign in the center that has been equipped with human arms and is holding the two other hieroglyphs to its sides.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1295 B.C.

Medium

Glazed steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910