Figure of a Frog
ca. 3000–2675 B.C.E.
Caption
Figure of a Frog, ca. 3000–2675 B.C.E.. Steatite, 1 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (4.2 x 9.5 cm). Anonymous loan, L58.2.6.
Title
Figure of a Frog
Date
ca. 3000–2675 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 1 to Dynasty 2 (possibly)
Period
Early Dynastic Period
Geography
Possible place collected: Abydos, Egypt
Medium
Steatite
Classification
Dimensions
1 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (4.2 x 9.5 cm)
Credit Line
Anonymous loan
Accession Number
L58.2.6
Frequent Art Questions
Why did Egyptians make figures of frogs?
Frogs inhabited marshlands and in later eras frogs were associated with fertility and protected in childbirth. They have have served a similar purpose in the far past as well.These frogs are from prehistoric Ancient Egypt, and predate writing and much of what we know about Egyptian spirituality and iconography. As such we really have to make educated guesses.Can you tell me anything more about the significance of the frog to the Egyptians?
Frogs would appear after the flooding of the Nile, so they became associated with the life-bringing quality of water, and it's role in fertilizing the land. The frog was also one of the hieroglyphic symbols of the goddess Heqet, who was associated with fertility, childbirth, the flooding of the Nile and resurrection.
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