Roman Period Egyptian Bes Amulet

£ 125.00

Polychrome faience amulet of the dwarf god, Bes, in a turquoise blue satin glaze, with raised accents in a yellow glaze. The amulet is modelled similarly on both sides.

Date: Circa 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Period: Roman Egypt
Condition: Fine condition; some erosion at top.

SOLD

SKU: AH-521 Category: Tags: ,

The Egyptians wore amulets alongside other pieces of jewellery. They were decorative, but also served a practical purpose, being considered to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.

Amulets held different meanings, depending on their type or form. Small amulets depicting gods and goddesses seem to have induced the protective powers of the deity. On the other hand, small representations of anatomical features or creatures suggest that the wearer required protection over a specific body part, or that he/she desired the skills of a particular animal. Amulets depicting animals were very common in the Old Kingdom Period, whilst representations of deities gained popularity in the Middle Kingdom.

Bes was a dwarf Egyptian deity, who acted as protector of the household, particularly of women, children, and childbirth. Dwarfs enjoyed elevated social status in Ancient Egypt, as they were considered to have been celestially blessed. Bes was also associated with sexuality, humour, music, and dancing, and was immensely popular with the people of everyday Egypt.

Weight 6.03 g
Dimensions W 1.8 x H 3.3 cm
Culture

Country

Faience

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Egyptian Mythology

Region