Standing Hippopotamus

Among the faience animals found in Middle Kingdom tombs, the best known is undoubtedly the hippopotamus, rendered in a variety of poses that represent this fearsome animal in its natural state, and decorated with images of the plants and animals found in its marshy habitat. This small faience hippopotamus was found in the wrappings of Renisnenb's mummy at the small of the back. Also in the wrappings were a mirror (26.7.1351), a necklace (26.7.1349), and a shen amulet (26.7.1347).

Credit: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926