The Symbolism of Hedgehogs on Aryballoi in Ancient Egypt
A wide range of animals are featured in Egyptian art; appearing in papyri, statues, wall reliefs and pottery. While the inclusion of many of these animals is self-explanatory as known representations of deities or due to the context of the art — wildfowl and fish in river hunting scenes for example — the regular inclusion of hedgehogs is rather less obvious. One of the more endearing ways hedgehogs are depicted is as decoration on aryballoi, a type of small pot common in the Late and Hellenistic periods normally used to store kohl or perfumes (Simpson 1972; 241). These are shaped so that the hedgehog forms the main body of the pot with its features carved in relief and an opening at the top (see image).
The Egyptians were nothing if not observant of their natural surroundings, including the behaviours of the local wildlife, and often interpreted the behaviour as skills or powers they desired for themselves. Thus many images of animals may be interpreted not just as depictions of the natural world but as a desire to invoke the symbolic powers associated with said animal. Several of the hedgehog’s behaviours were given this treatment leading to a multi-layered symbolic status for this small, timid creature.
The qualities most directly relating to the hedgehog’s use on cosmetic aryballoi are linked to eyesight and protection. They were (incorrectly) attributed with having good eyesight due to their nocturnal behaviour and it is possible kohl stored in these aryballoi was thought to transfer this ability to the wearer (von Droste zu Hülshoff 1980; 29). The desert hedgehog native to Egypt has a high resistance to poison in order to prey on insects such as scorpions, and this can lend it an apotropaic quality when depicted on aryballoi (von Droste zu Hülshoff 1980; 47); such an association would be useful for warding against eye infections, which certain types of kohl have been proven to be effective at.
While less directly related, the hedgehog does have other symbolic associations that may influence its use on aryballoi. Their ability to defend themselves against a wide range of predators by using their spines gifted hedgehogs protective qualities in the eyes of the Egyptians (von Droste zu Hülshoff 1980; 31). This protection was particularly applicable to the deceased, who could be protected on their nightly journey through the underworld by the hedgehog figure (von Droste zu Hülshoff 1980; 32). As well as guiding the deceased they also became associated with rebirth after death because they hibernated during cool, dry weather but could also go dormant if food or water supplies were scarce (Nowak 1991; 121).
A final point to consider is that the colours produced by the faience that these objects are generally made of are not the natural colours of the hedgehog. Instead these are colours linked to the gods (blue) and fertility (green), adding another symbolic association to these vessels (von Droste zu Hülshoff 1980; 47).
In conclusion, though both the hedgehog and the aryballos may appear small and not immediately significant in comparison to many artefacts and animals from Ancient Egypt, they held much more meaning than first appearances suggest. As is often the case, everyday objects were still imbued with cultural and religious significance, entwining daily life with the gods and life after death.
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