TYPE: Goddess of childbirth
ORIGIN: Egyptian
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Probably circa 2500 BCE until the end of Egyptian history circa 400 CE
SYNONYMS: Thoueris (Greek).
CENTER(S) OF CULT: no obvious cult centers, but represented in the Karnak complex at Thebes.
ART REFERENCES: a favorite subject for amulets and perforated vases.
LITERARY SOURCES: generally in texts including magical spells.
INFORMATION: Tawaret is a goddess who enjoyed popularity among rank-and-file Egyptians and whose protection was sought particularly by women in pregnancy. She is depicted either in human form or as a hybrid with the head of a hippopotamus, human breasts and swollen belly, leonine limbs adn a crocodile tail. This unusual aspect is intended to frighten off malignant forces before and during childbirth. Tawaret often holds the SA symbol of protection clasped over her vulva. Talismanic vases are fashioned in the shape of the goddess, with holes at the nipples through which milk could be poured during rites.
Her benign nature constrasts with that of Seth, often depicted as a male hippopotamus, an animal whose destructive behavior in the river and adjacent fields was well known.