Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A charming, mold-formed faience amulet depicting the Egyptian dwarf god, Bes, in the round. Enveloped in seafoam green glaze, the petite deity squats on a rectangular plinth with openwork arms to his sides. His rotund belly hits the ground, as his bearded face gazes forward, capped by a large headdress. Petite applique dots of a rich blue glaze adorn his arms and verso. A horizontal drill hole perforates through his headdress, allowing the piece to be suspended as a pendant. Bes was a protector of the household and warded off all malevolent things, making him a popular talisman for many Egyptians to carry. Size: 0.8" W x 1.6" H (2 cm x 4.1 cm)
Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, by descent, acquired in Egypt in 1894 to 1896
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#167095
Condition
Wearable as a pendant. Loss to front of plinth. Expected nicks and softening of detail as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.