Artwork Page for Statue of Heqat, the Frog Goddess

Details / Information for Statue of Heqat, the Frog Goddess

Statue of Heqat, the Frog Goddess

c. 2950 BCE
Measurements
Overall: 15.4 x 14.7 x 15.5 cm (6 1/16 x 5 13/16 x 6 1/8 in.)
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
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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.
A cream-colored travertine stone statue resembles a stylized frog with a round body, crouched on short legs on a square platform and looking up. Its back is round and its front a smooth slant, carved with the downward arc of a mouth. A round eye curves up from the side. White striations cut through the stone, down over its left eye and just before the sculpture's front edge.

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

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