Metal Bookmark Hippopotamus

Metal Bookmark

Hippopotamus figure from the 13th dynasty, circa 1786 - 1650 BC - Siliceous earthenware H. 12.7 cm; L. 20.5 cm; W. 8.10 cm

The "river horse" in ancient Greek lived on the banks of the Nile where it fed abundantly on vegetation. In funeral rites small statues of this animal were placed in tombs to accompany the dead person in the afterlife. The hippopotamus was the symbol of the goddess Thoueris, protector of mother.