Taweret, an intriguing deity from ancient Egyptian mythology, features a unique combination of attributes: the body of a hippopotamus, the limbs of a lion, and the head of a crocodile. This unusual physicality gives her a seemingly whimsical appearance, evoking imagery of gods playfully experimenting with forms. However, beneath this jovial exterior lies a powerful symbol of protection and fertility. Taweret was revered throughout ancient Egypt, representing some of the fiercest creatures in the region, particularly when their offspring were at risk.
In the exhibit “Egypt’s Sunken Cities” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, a statue of Taweret is positioned high enough for visitors to gaze directly at this smaller-than-life goddess. One can envision her navigating the lush banks of the Nile, ever watchful and ready to defend against danger. Unlike many deities of the time, Taweret did not have grand temples or a formal cult but enjoyed widespread adoration, particularly among families with children or expectant mothers. Many homes featured her likeness, be it in the form of amulets, figurines, or vessels. On special occasions, a magician might use an ivory wand made from hippo tusks to cast protective circles around women in labor or sleeping infants, seeking her blessings. Taweret was the divine figure invoked during moments of vulnerability, symbolizing hope and the fragile nature of life.
Taweret’s role within the grand tapestry of Egyptian mythos becomes more pronounced when reflecting on the tales of Osiris and Horus. After Osiris, the ruler of Egypt, fell victim to his brother Seth, it was Taweret who took action to safeguard Horus. She held Seth at bay, allowing Horus to reclaim power. The evolving mythology reflects a shift from a narrative of shared dominion to one where Horus decisively overcomes Seth, emphasizing Taweret’s essence as a protector and a deity of life and fertility.
In addition to Taweret, several other hippo goddesses were worshiped in ancient Egypt—such as Ipet, Reret, and Hedjet—often playing similar roles and possibly representing facets of a singular divine entity. The reverence for hippos was profound, rooted in both admiration and fear, which ultimately led to their decline as an honored creature.
The pharaohs, in their quest for supremacy, hunted hippos to solidify their authority. Capturing such formidable beasts served as a testament to their power; countless hippos would be harpooned, their demise showcasing the rulers’ might.
Today, the hippo is extinct in Egypt, largely due to hunting practices combined with agricultural development and climate changes over millennia. Lions, too, once prowled the land but have disappeared, along with many of Egypt’s large mammal species—out of the original thirty-seven, only eight manage to thrive today. Interestingly, the crocodile remains, serving as a singular link to Taweret’s multifaceted representation.
Despite Taweret’s divine ability to protect countless lives, she too faced an insurmountable end through humanity’s choices. Her existence reflected the care for the most vulnerable, yet, ironically, those who revered her could not stave off their own destructive tendencies.
Pictured: Installation view of “Statue of Tawaret,” 664–610 BCE, graywacke, Luxor, Late Period, Dynasty 26 during the reign of Psamtik I, Egyptian Museum, Cairo CG 39145, in “Egypt’s Sunken Cities” at Mia.
