Egyptian Blue-Glazed Amulet of Bes

PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.

1 3/4 in. (8.2 grams, 46 mm).

Faience amulet of the god Bes with his body of a dwarf, leonine head, and feather headdress; with a bright blue satin glaze and raised accents in yellow, modelled similarly on both sides; pierced through the neck for suspension

Provenance

From the P.C. collection, 1990s.
Ex London gallery.
Property of a Bristol, UK, gentleman.

Literature

Cf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, pp.133-134, no. 226, for a similarly styled and decorated figure.

Footnotes

Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to protect from snakes.

CONDITION

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