Hippopotamus amulet. Dimensions: L: 7.4 x H: 4.4 x W: 2.2 cm (2 15/16 x 1 3/4 x 7/8 in.). Date: ca. 3700-3450 B.C..Egyptologists understand this figurine to be an amulet, which was designed to be suspended by a cord passing through the holes above its back. This type of hippo figurine is distinctive for three reasons: they were made from pink limestone, created in pairs, and depicted as pregnant females. This last observation is evident by from the swollen belly that nearly touches the ground; most hippo statuettes do not display this feature. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.