The ancient Egyptians created a fascinating array of artifacts that continue to captivate modern audiences. Among these is a small statuette of a hippopotamus, affectionately named “William.” Crafted in faience, a glazed ceramic material made partly out of ground quartz, this cerulean figurine is more than a beautiful object. It embodies the complex relationship the ancient Egyptians had with the natural world and their beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
A Cerulean Beauty with Symbolic Significance
William the Hippo, with its striking blue glaze, is adorned with painted lotus flowers. These plants, native to the marshes where hippos lived, held deep symbolic meaning for the Egyptians. The lotuses represent regeneration and rebirth, as their flowers close every night and reopen with the morning sun. This symbolic decoration suggests that William was not merely a decorative item but a meaningful piece in the context of ancient Egyptian spirituality.
The Dual Nature of the Hippopotamus
Despite its seemingly benign appearance, the hippopotamus was one of the most feared animals in ancient Egypt. These massive creatures posed a significant threat to small fishing boats and rivercraft. They were known to wreak havoc on farmers’ fields, consuming crops with their insatiable appetites. This dangerous reputation extended to the afterlife, where the hippopotamus was seen as a force of chaos that needed to be controlled.
A Protective Measure for the Afterlife
William was discovered in a shaft associated with the tomb chapel of the steward Senbi II at Meir, an Upper Egyptian site about thirty miles south of modern Asyut. This statuette was part of Senbi’s burial equipment, which included a canopic box, a coffin, and numerous models of boats and food production. Notably, three of William’s legs were found broken, likely a deliberate act to prevent the hippo from causing harm to the deceased in the afterlife. This practice highlights the Egyptians’ belief in the potent power of such representations and their proactive measures to ensure safety in the next world.
William’s Modern Fame
![William the hippo, MET museum's mascot for 106 years, and his Buddy. Ground quartz Egyptian blue hippopotamuses, Middle Kingdom ca. 1961–1878 B.C. [3802x3247]. : r/ArtefactPorn](https://mysterious.vncash24h.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/b1t0udq8j75b1.jpg)
The hippo’s modern nickname, “William,” first appeared in a 1931 story published in the British humor magazine Punch. The tale humorously described a family consulting a color print of the Met’s hippo as an oracle. The story was republished in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Bulletin, and the name William caught on, endearing this ancient artifact to a contemporary audience.
The Legacy of the Hippopotamus in Ancient Egypt
Hippopotamus hunts were a popular sport among the ancient Egyptians, symbolizing the rulers’ ability to overcome chaos. By 3000 B.C., depictions of kings triumphantly battling hippos became commonplace. However, overhunting led to the extinction of wild hippos in Egypt by the early 19th century. William, measuring approximately 8 inches by 5 inches, is one of many hippo sculptures crafted by ancient Egyptians, serving as a testament to their artistic skill and their complex relationship with nature.
Conclusion
William the Hippo is more than just a beautiful statuette; it is a window into the world of ancient Egypt. This artifact reflects the Egyptians’ artistic talent, their reverence for nature, and their deep-seated beliefs about life and the afterlife. Through William, we gain insight into how they sought to protect themselves from perceived dangers and how these practices continue to resonate in the present day.
