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Naqada Bowl Featuring Hippos By the River

Reproduction of a prehistoric white cross-lined ware bowl from the Naqada I period (c. 3850–3650 BC). It depicts three stylised hippos gathered around a central rosette representing a pool of water with zigzag cliffs beyond representing the horizon.

Naqada Bowl Featuring Hippos By the River

Wild creatures such as hippos and crocodiles are often found depicted on this type of pottery found in graves and it’s thought they were intended to impart their powers on the vessels' owners, granting them success hunting and protection from danger in the afterlife.

Reproduction Details

Object Type

Date

Findspot

Current Location

People Depicted

Deities Depicted

Art Ref

Pottery

Naqada I

Mesaid, Mesaid Tomb 26

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

DP077

©2025 Natalie Watson, Wonderful Things Art

All images are the copyright of Natalie Watson (Wonderful Things Art)

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