Hippopotamus Skull

Latin: Hippopotamus amphibius

Size: Measures approx. 53cm x 20cm x 30cm

Description: The most sculptural skull of all animals, top half represented on modern stand. Specimen itself of antique origin with impressive aged patina. Solid walnut pedestal available seperately.

The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive and unpredictable creatures in the world and, as such, ranks among the most dangerous animals in Africa. Zulu warriors preferred to be as brave as a hippopotamus, since even lions were not considered to match its courage. In 1888, Captain Baden-Powell was part of a column searching for the Zulu chief Dinizulu, who was leading the Usutu people in revolt against the British colonists. The column was joined by John Dunn, a white Zulu chief, who led an impi (army) of 2,000 Zulu warriors to join the British. The words of the Zulu anthem sounded like this: "Een-gonyama Gonyama! Invooboo! Yah-bo! Yah-bo! Invooboo! "John Dunn was at the head of his impi. [Baden Powell] asked him to translate the Zulu anthem his men had been singing. Dunn laughed and replied: 'He is a lion. Yes, he is better than a lion he is a hippopotamus.' "

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