Description
This faience amulet features Taweret, depicted with her left foot stepping forward and her arms resting at her sides. Consistent with her traditional representation, she combines elements of a hippopotamus, a crocodile, and a human woman. The piece is rendered in a light turquoise hue, with black highlights, notably in her wig and the tail of the crocodile. A suspension loop can be found on the back, positioned where her wig meets the tail.
Discussion
Taweret, known as “The Great One,” is often recognized as a fearsome goddess embodying the qualities of protection. Her worship was predominantly centered within household rituals. Although depictions of her appeared in Old Kingdom funerary rites (circa 2686-2160 BCE), her following grew significantly during the New Kingdom (circa 1550-1069 BCE), which saw a notable increase in the production of her amulets. It’s important to note that the tradition of crafting amulets featuring hippopotami has ancient roots in Egypt, tracing back to the Predynastic Period (circa 3200-3000 BCE). This light green faience piece is characteristic of those from the late Third Intermediate Period (circa 747-656 BCE).
Taweret, an animal goddess, played a vital role in safeguarding mothers and children, with her protective attributes being particularly sought after during childbirth. Her fierce appearance, borrowing traits from hippopotami, lionesses, and Nile crocodiles, was believed to strike fear into malicious entities, offering a barrier against harm. Consequently, amulets resembling her were highly regarded for their supposed abilities to avert childhood diseases and fatalities. Her likeness also graced various tools utilized by midwives, including protective ivory wands. Given that Taweret’s worship was predominantly conducted within domestic settings, her image adorned many household items for both protective and reverential purposes.
Beyond her ferocity, Taweret also embodies nurturing qualities, as her human-like traits symbolize maternal care. Her large breasts and rounded belly reflect the physique of a pregnant individual, emphasizing her capacity to nurture offspring. These attributes are similarly associated with Hapy, the deity of the Nile’s flood, representing fertility and the power of regeneration. In certain popular myths, Taweret is featured in narratives such as that involving the Eye of Re, which, angered by her father, withdraws to Nubia as a lioness. Upon returning to Egypt, she takes on the form of a hippopotamus—presumably representing Taweret—thereby facilitating the annual flood of the Nile. This tale underscores her role as a goddess of fertility and revitalization.
