Images of household gods were often displayed in Egyptian homes - on altars, furniture, cosmetic items, and wall paintings.

This is the goddess Taweret, one of the most popular Egyptian household gods. Taweret protected mothers and their children against the risks associated with pregnancy, birth, and infancy.

The goddess was usually depicted as a pregnant hippopotamus with the limbs and paws of a lion and a mane in the form of a crocodile’s tail. Taweret’s frightening appearance was meant to scare away evil spirits. Besides the home, images of Taweret were also placed in tombs to protect the deceased in the afterlife and on amulets to protect the wearer.