Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

SKU: EA2035

An Egyptian Amethyst Hippopotamus Head Amulet, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2017 - 1730 BCE

Sale price¥1,168,900 JPY

This object qualifies for free and fast worldwide shipping.

Buy now with ShopPay

Masterfully carved from bright amethyst, the hippopotamus head featuring a large snout, incised mouth, bulging eyes, and protruding ears at the back of the head, characteristically flat-backed and pierced through the side for attachment.

Hippopotamus amulets were worn to protect their wearers from the notoriously bad-tempered animals. Common inhabitants of the Nile, hippos were aggressive and very large, posing serious danger for those on the river. While protection was imperative, the hippopotamus was also linked with regeneration; it lived in the renewing waters of the Nile and was believed to roar noisily at dawn and dusk, thus linking itself with the sun's passage and the symbolism of death and rebirth.

Ref: Carol Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London: British Museum Press (1994) p. 64.

For a similar example, see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, accession number 10.130.2310

Dimensions: Length: 6 mm (0.24 inches)

Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall.

Provenance:   Ronald Parct collection, New York, acquired Sotheby Parke Bernet, 3/20/1968, lot #52 (part).  Sold with a copy of the original invoice.

An Egyptian Amethyst Hippopotamus Head Amulet, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2017 - 1730 BCE
An Egyptian Amethyst Hippopotamus Head Amulet, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2017 - 1730 BCE Sale price¥1,168,900 JPY

Recently viewed

An Egyptian Red Jasper Trussed Ox Amulet, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCEAn Egyptian Red Jasper Trussed Ox Amulet, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCE
A pair of Roman silver Julian II siliqua c. 360 - 363 CE set as earrings - Sands of Time Ancient Art
A rare Veracruz Jaguar Hacha, Classic Period, ca. 600 - 900 CEA rare Veracruz Jaguar Hacha, Classic Period, ca. 600 - 900 CE
How can we help you?
At Sands of Time, humans answer your phone calls and reply to your messages so don't be shy about contacting us. We look forward to hearing from you!
mgctlbxN$MZP mgctlbxV$5.3.7 mgctlbxL$C