An ancient Egyptian blue faience amulet in the form the Egyptian goddess Taweret, also known as Theoris. She is depicted as a pregnant hippopotamus, striding forwards on an integrated oblong base. Her elongated arms rest on either side of her large stomach. Her limbs are those of a feline, most likely a lion. A slanted pillar supports the figure at the back. There is a suspension loop behind the head. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, and minor cracks to the glaze. The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. The patron of pregnant women, Taweret attended them at birth, and was depicted as a heavily pregnant hippopotamus. She is thought to have been a household deity, with no actual temple, but with shrines found in every home. Later, in the Amarna period, she gained importance as a funerary deity. This was because her powers were considered to be regenerative as well as protective. Measurements: (circa) H 2.8cm x W 1cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection