The hippopotamus had complex associations within ancient Egyptian culture. Although there are no longer wild hippopotamuses in Egypt, during most of human history they would have been a common feature of the area around the Nile, occasionally presenting a threat to the inhabitants of that region. They are very powerful animals, and can be aggressive if provoked, so they would have been seen as a source of danger. They could also cause harm in more indirect ways, for example by eating crops which were necessary for food production. Because of their reputation as a powerful animal, as well as because of the resources they could provide, such as their meat and teeth, they were hunted by the ancient Egyptians, as seen in depictions from the Predynastic period onwards. During the Dynastic period, there are representations of the king hunting hippos. This was to convey his strength and ability to conquer chaos and destruction, enabling him to bring order and peace to the land. The hippo also had specific associations within Egyptian mythology; from the New Kingdom onwards, the god Seth is represented as a hippo during one of his conflicts with Horus, from which Horus emerges the victor. Horus is associated with the living king, and therefore Seth as a hippo became associated with an evil force that needed to be overcome.

However, the hippopotamus also had positive associations, both within mythology and daily life. The goddess Taweret, who protects mothers and children and wards against evil, is usually represented as part hippo. She was often depicted on amulets and magical objects such as wands. Hippos also gained connotations of life and rebirth. They lived in the Nile, which was viewed as the source of life, and their habit of submerging themselves within the water for several minutes and then resurfacing became associated with regeneration. They also roar at sunrise and sunset, connecting them with the journey of the sun which was representative of the cycle of rebirth. Small hippopotamus figurines, often made of faience, were placed in graves and were thought to transfer regenerative power to those they were buried with. They are often decorated with painted images of plants and creatures which also live in the Nile, such as lotus flowers, butterflies, and frogs.

This hippopotamus statuette retains a broadly rounded cuboid shape which is presumably similar to the block of stone from which it was carved. Its hind legs are tucked underneath it, represented only by the curve of its haunches and foreleg on its right side. Its front feet can be seen curled up under its head, which is turned to the right. Small carved incisions mark out its facial features: nostrils, eyes, and ears. Carved lines coming down its snout give the impression of the bone structure beneath the skin. Traces of red paint remain around its legs and some of the details on its face. The base is flat and smooth, allowing it to lie down on a surface, and giving the impression that it is resting. This pose, and the fact that the animal’s head is tilted downwards, with its mouth closed, show that it is not presenting a threat, or under attack, but instead is supposed to convey positive associations of life and rebirth.