Object Details
Label
The anthropomorphic female hippopotamus goddess Taweret was a particularly important deity for women, especially pregnant women, and children. This image therefore suits a cosmetic vessel.
The little hippopotamus pot combines elements of both the statuettes and votive bowls. Although it is a vessel and not a true statuette, the pot has the form of the hippopotamus carved in relief in such a way that the image stretches over the surface image of a tilapia fish, an image commonly found on both statuettes and bowls.
Provenance
To 1907
Unidentified owner, Egypt, to 1907 [1]
From 1907 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased in Egypt from an unidentified owner in 1907 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See Original Pottery List, L. 1849, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Previous custodian or owner
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
ca. 1539-1075 BCE or later
Period
New Kingdom or later
Accession Number
F1907.29
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Vessel
Medium
Faience (glazed composition)
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3 x 5.8 x 4 cm (1 3/16 x 2 5/16 x 1 9/16 in)
Origin
Egypt
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
faience
fish
water
New Kingdom (ca. 1539 - 1075 BCE)
Egypt
hippopotamus
Taweret
Ancient Egyptian Art
Charles Lang Freer collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1907.29