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 during the Middle Kingdom (c.2030-1650) and the Second Intermediate Period (c.1650-1550), 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 glazed statuette represents the form of a hippopotamus in a simplified manner, with its legs curled up underneath it and its head, which is turned to the right, resting on its front feet. Small incised dots indicate its nostrils, and other details such as its eyes and tail have been added in black glaze. It has also been decorated with several motifs; two plants, one on its head and one on its hindquarters, probably represent lotus flowers. These are another symbol of regeneration, as they close in the evening and open again in the morning, following the pattern of the sun. Red and blue glaze has also been used to fill in details of these plants. On top of the flower on the animal's hindquarters stands a blue winged insect. On the back of the animal is a motif in black glaze: a circle divided into segments, connected by a curving line to an oval shape. These could be representations of flowers from different angles; similar circle motifs on other examples have been identified as stylised depictions of flowers from above, and the oval motif could be a bud or closed flower. The relaxed pose of the animal, and the addition of decorative plants and animals on its skin, suggests that this artwork is meant to convey associations of life and rebirth.