Images of household gods were often displayed on altars in Egyptian homes. This is the goddess Taweret , one of the most popular. Taweret protected mothers and their children against the risks during pregnancy and birth. 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. Her frightening appearance was probably meant to scare away evil spirits.

Egypt, Late Period
ca. 712 - 332 B.C.

"Statuette of Taweret"
Faience, h: 4.25"; w: 1.5"
Lent by William S. Arnett, L1994.12.103
Collection of the Michael C. Carlos Museum