hippopotamus

The hippopotamus was a symbol of the god Seth, the evil brother of Horus.Although they are no longer native to Egypt in ancient times hippopotami lived along the banks of the river Nile. Religious scenes often show the king spearing a hippopotamus, symbolic of the mythical fight between Horus and his brother Seth. On the other hand, in the form of the goddess Taweret, hippopotami signified fertility and protected pregnant women.

Presented by the Trustees of the Wellcome Trust, 1969.

Accession Number:

1969W3636

Production Period:

New Kingdom

http://www.bmagic.org.uk/objects/1969W3636

Birmingham Museum