The face carved with naturalistic features, the heavily proportioned body surmounted by an integral suspension loop with a modern gold wire added.
The face carved with naturalistic features, the heavily proportioned body surmounted by an integral suspension loop with a modern gold wire added.
Provenance
Private collection, UK, since the 1970s Art market, London
Private collection, France, acquired in the late 1990s
Literature
The hippopotamus was a common inhabitant of the Nile River. The animal's aggressive nature and large size worried the ancient Egyptians because they frequently went out in boats on the river. Protection against this dangerous animal was imperative, however, the hippopotamus was also associated with positive qualities such as regeneration. See C. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London: British Museum Press, 1994, p. 64.
Such amulets of hippopotamus heads and full figures of the animals were sometimes made in semi-precious stones like carnelian, feldspar, amethyst, and in this example, rock crystal. Rock crystal was a particular luxurious and rare product, and its use for amulets was very restricted.
Publications
J. Billen, (ed.) Ancient Art, Masterpieces from Collectors and Collections, 10th Edition of the Brussels Ancient Art Fair BAAF, 2012, p. 44.