#william100

Due to its aggressive nature and unpredictability, the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is considered one of Africa's most dangerous animals. Ancient Egyptians knew and feared these massive mammals, too—and were inspired by them to create art like "William," the faience hippopotamus. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum in 1917, this blue figurine—which has become the institution's unofficial mascot—dates back to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (~2000 BCE) and made of a ceramic material produced from quartz. Our life-size clay hippo model from 1909 wants to wish "William" the best in his 100th year at the Met! #William100.