Stone vessel in the shape of a frog

Stone vessels are known throughout Egyptian history, but the period which saw their greatest production ran from the middle Predynastic period (about 3500 BC) to the beginning of the Old Kingdom (2686 BC), when they were in great demand as burial equipment. The wide variety of different stones used during this time was never exceeded in any later period of Egyptians history.

The Egyptians developed the ability to work hard stone into vessel shape at an early date. Basalt was popular from the beginning (4000 BC). As time went on, other stones came into use, some transported from distant quarried in the deserts, making them valuable as status symbols. Most vessels were of conventional shape, but occasionally animal-shaped jars were also carved. Colourful red breccia was one of the favoured stones for jars crafted into the form of animals such as hippopotami, birds, turtles and frogs. Each of these animals had specific meaning to the ancient Egyptians. Because a large number of young frogs could be seen on the river banks as the annual Nile flood receded, the frog has particular resonance as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. For this reason the goddess Heket, who protected women giving birth, was depicted as a frog or frog-headed woman. The association of frogs with regeneration seems to strong, that some have suggested that small frog-shaped jars like this one were used to hold precious liquids or lotions needed especially during childbirth.