The Egyptian goddess Taweret. To the left: Taweret, Basalt(?), H. 4.1 cm, Egypt, ca. 664–30 B.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10.130.2037: To the right: Taweret, Rock crystal, H. 10.5 cm, Egypt, ca. 664–30 B.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 44.4.67.

Two statuettes of Taweret
To the left:
Material: Basalt(?
Date: ca. 664–30 B.C.
Dimensions: H. 4.1 cm
Findspot: Egypt
Current Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10.130.2037

To the right:
Material: Rock crystal
Date: ca. 664–30 B.C.
Dimensions: H. 10.5 cm
Findspot: Egypt
Current Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 44.4.67

The ancient Egyptian goddess Taweret has the body of a standing pregnant hippopotamus, the limbs and paws ofa lion, and the tail of a crocodile down her back.

Taweret was a protective household goddess as well as a tutelary goddess of pregnancy, birth, and the protection of infants and of child rearing. She had the power to ward off malevolent forces and she is often depicted with the sA-hieroglyph standing in front of her, as can be seen on the right. This hieroglyph literally means “protection”.

“Taweret” is ancient Egyptian and means “The Great One”

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