667 - Egyptian Bronze Hippopotamus Amulet. Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or later Modelled in the round on a rectangular base with a dorsal loop. 20.5 grams, 26 mm (1 in.).

Egyptian Bronze Hippopotamus Amulet. Late Period, 664-332 B.C. or later Modelled in the round on a rectangular base with a dorsal loop. 20.5 grams, 26 mm (1 in.). Ex mid 19th century London, UK, collection. Metal hippopotamus amulets are comparatively rare compared with faience and stone examples. A gold hippopotamus amulet of similar size was discovered in Tomb W 643 at Meroe, Sudan, and is now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (inv. no. 23.380). Egyptian art depicted the Nile hippopotamus in Old, Middle, and New Kingdom limestone reliefs, as well as in faience, stone, and metal statuettes. Egyptians both admired and feared them: powerful and unpredictable, hippos attack when threatened. Their fearsome reputation made them potent apotropaic amulets, giving the wearer power over evil and chaotic forces. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.