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Back to previous pagePTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
2 5/8 in. (29.6 grams total, 66 mm high including stand).
Depicting the creator god in the form of the dwarf god Pataikos, modelled nude with stylised anatomical detailing, holding two knives to his stomach, squatting on an oval base; a scarab on the top of his cap; ribbed suspension loop to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display base.
PROVENANCE:
Ex private French collection.
with Thierry Maigret, Hotel Drouot, Paris, 12 July 2005, 76.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Daressy, G., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire N° 38001-39384 Statues de divinités, Cairo, 1906, pl.XLII no.38.801, for similar figure.
FOOTNOTES:
The Egyptian deity Pataikos is a special manifestation of the creator god Ptah, and the dwarf-like appearance symbolises his magical power. As a protective deity, amulets of Pataikos were worn for their apotropaic qualities; Pataikos was often depicted subjugating poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions, and Pataikos amulets were probably worn to protect the wearer from such animals.
