Seal Amulet in the Shape of a Hippopotamus

New Kingdom

ca. 1550–1295 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 117

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Seal Amulet in the Shape of a Hippopotamus
Period: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 18
Date: ca. 1550–1295 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt
Medium: Glazed steatite
Dimensions: L. 1.2 × W. 0.9 × H. 0.8 cm (1/2 × 3/8 × 5/16 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910
Object Number: 10.130.771
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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