Limestone Figure of a Frog associated with the Goddess Heqet

Culture: Egyptian

Period: New Kingdom, 1550-1070 B.C.

Material: Limestone

Dimensions: 4 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1153

Provenance: Private collection Giancarlo Ligabue. Published in „Animali e Mito nel Vicino Oriente Antico, Trebaselegue, 2008, page 222, number 1.

Condition: Ancient breaks on the fore extremities, otherwise intact and of excellent quality.

Description: Limestone figure of an upright seated frog with finely incised details on the body. The hind legs pulled on, the head vigilantly raised. Since the frog lives in muddy, humid regions, in areas full of life, it was associated with emerging life. Furthermore the Egyptian world originated from the primeval mud. Therefore it is attributed to Heqet, the goddess of childbirth, who was responsible for the growth of a foetus and birth itself. The glyph of the frog was a symbol for a human being, who is not completely formed yet. Published in „Animali e Mito nel Vicino Oriente Antico, Trebaselegue, 2008, page 222, number 1.