In the square in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Piazza della Minerva, stands one of Rome's thirteen ancient obelisks, originating from the Iseum Campense and dedicated to the goddess Neith, the Egyptian equivalent of the Roman goddess Minerva. The small pink granite obelisk is raised on a base, the work of Ercole Ferrata based on a design by Bernini, depicting a graceful baby elephant.

The baby elephant is also popularly known as the "Pulcin della Minerva": "pulcino" in the dialect of the time meant "porcino," "little pig," referring to the elephant due to its smaller size and rounded shape, more suited to a piglet.