Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom to Third Intermediate Period, 18th to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1550 to 664 BCE. A mold-formed faience amulet of a columnar form depicting four identical squatting effigies of the dwarf deity Bes. Bes stands atop an integral rectangular plinth and has a bulbous abdomen, a displeased grimace on his face, and a shaggy beard that is oft related to the mane of a lion, all beneath an integral square cap with a covered suspension hole. The amulet is enveloped in lustrous turquoise-hued glaze. Size: 0.75" L x 0.8" W x 1.375" H (1.9 cm x 2 cm x 3.5 cm)
Bes, the bandy-legged leonine dwarf god, was an apotropaic deity, the protector of the home, children, and women in pregnancy and childbirth. In his role as protector of the home he was thought to dispel bad dreams, and by increasing virility in men and fertility in women, he was seen as a symbol of fecundity. When depicted in full form, he is generally depicted nude, wearing a lion's mane, a plumed headdress, and a tail. He is also seen dancing, brandishing a sword, or frightening off evil spirits by playing music. Bes continued to be a popularly depicted protective deity well into the Graeco-Roman Period.
Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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#153780
Condition
Minor nicks to top cap, Bes effigies, and base, with light fading to original glaze color, and minor pitting. Nice earthen deposits and great remains of original glaze throughout.