William the Hippo πππ― is kind of the unofficial mascot of the MET – probably because heβs so cute!
I always liked William because as a kid I was obsessed with the hippo πππ― that was in βItβs a Small Worldβ at Disney World! The first time I ever went to Disney at 4 years old I went with my Nonno and Nonna and Iβll never forget riding βItβs a Small Worldβ together and seeing the hippo πππ―!
William was made in the first part of the 12th Dynasty. 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 has lotus flowers πΈπͺ painted all over him to associate it with rejuvenation! William is most likely painted blue π
ππ to represent the Nile and rebirth.