the fruit i brought forth was the sun

Snouted Cobra (Naja annulifera), family Elapidae, South Africa

Venomous.

Before there was Moo Deng, there was William.

This little blue hippopotamus, known affectionately as William, has been a fan favorite at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for over a century. Dating back to Egypt’s Middle Kingdom (c. 1961–1878 BCE), William was likely placed in tombs to offer protection in the afterlife.

His bright faience glaze and lotus decorations connect him to the Nile’s waters—but don’t let his charm fool you! Ancient Egyptians knew that hippos were both revered and feared, making William a powerful symbol. He epitomizes the Egyptian craftsmanship of the era.

Take a closer look at William on JSTOR.

Egyptian "Hounds and Jackals"-game board

The board features 58 holes (29 on each side), used for placing game pieces (either hounds or jackals). Some of these holes have hieroglyphs next to them, such as 𓄤 nfr - good and 𓍶 šn - protection, with the latter being the goal and lines connecting them. It is thought that the game would be played like Chutes and Ladders today, with two players moving their pieces according to the rolled number to reach the end.

Late period, Dynasty 26, 664 - 525 BCE

Barafu Pride male on top of the Barafu kopje on one blue morning, when he was being introduced to his newest offspring by a lioness.

Picadilly Female leopard with her tail curled around her little cub.

Storms in Kansas