Statue of Heqat, the Frog Goddess

c. 2950 BCE

Egypt, Predynastic (5000–2950 BCE), Naqada III (3200–3000 BCE)–Egypt, Early Dynastic (2950–2647 BCE), Dynasty 1

Medium

travertine (Egyptian alabaster)

Measurements

Overall: 15.4 x 14.7 x 15.5 cm (6 1/16 x 5 13/16 x 6 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1976.5

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Location

107 Egyptian

Did You Know?

This probably represents a puffed-up Bufo viridis, one of two types of "frogs" (it is actually a toad) represented in Egyptian art.

Description

During the Predynastic period statues of animals are much more common than those of humans. This statue of a frog stands at the beginning of a great tradition of animal sculpture in Egyptian art. The sculptor has shown great sensitivity to the natural banding of the stone, using it to enhance the roundness of the animal's form. Small frogs, mostly of faience, are among the most common votive offerings deposited at early temple sites. The frog's exact religious significance in the Predynastic period is unknown, but in later times it was most often identified with Heqat, the goddess who assisted at childbirth.