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Tusk – on hippopotamus back TUK-0005
By Osmani, Diona
, Tomb 25.
2nd of March 1911 : Harvard University Fine Arts museum.Boston, Museum of Fine Arts, 6.3 (11.287).
Date : 3850-3650 BC
Material : Hippopotamus ivory (Carved)
Preservation : Complete, repaired
Description
Ivory tusk which has at the bottom an hippopotamus carved figurine, probably made from hippopotamus ivory. The rim is pierced all around with several holes and the tusk is hollowed. The hippopotamus figurine is quite complete, as we can see the eyes and the ears are expressed by small protuberances. Four legs and a small tail are represented as well. This ivory tusk has been found as a pair with another carved ivory tusk (6.4).
Object use
This object might have been used as an container for a substance believed to have magical powers. Such items were worn around the neck on leather strings, which can explain the holes on the rim part.
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Dimensions (cm)
Height :
9.5
Length :
8.6
Additional information
Form :
Closed
Shape of rim :
direct
Shape of base:
on four feet
