There are a couple of things I always look for when I go to a museum and the blue π ππ faienceΒ π£πππΈπΌΒ Hippos πππ―π¦ are one of them! At the MET, the blue π ππ hippo πππ― is named ππ William π ±ππππΏπ π― and is kinda the unofficial mascot of the museum, so I just tend to call all of the hippos πππ―π¦ William π ±ππππΏπ π― no matter what museum I am at!Β
William π ±ππππΏπ π― was made between the 12th and 17th Dynasties. In Egypt ππ ππ, hippos πππ―π¦ were both feared and respected πππ . They were feared because they were one of the most dangerous animals in the Nile Valley π. However, hippos πππ―π¦ were also thought to be powerful protectors π ππ‘π against evil! William π ±ππππΏπ π― has lotus flowers πΈπͺ painted all over him to associate it with rejuvenation! William π ±ππππΏπ π― is most likely painted blue π ππ to represent the Nile ππππ ±ππππΊ and rebirth.