Selection of Egyptian Faience Bes Amulets

£ 150.00

A selection of five Egyptian blue faience amulets depicting the god Bes. The deity is depicted in a squat position with his legs slightly bent and his hands resting on his hips. He is presented in a grotesque manner with a grimaced face and protruding ears. The reverse is flat and unadorned.

Date: Circa 1550-1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Provenance: Ex English collection, AB, acquired 1920s-40, passed by descent.
Condition: Fine Condition. Some earthly encrustations and discolouration. With age there has been wear to the detail of the surface. Previous provenance numbers to the reverse.
SKU: RCB-55 Category: Tags: ,

Bes was known as a dwarf god and considered a protector of the home and of women and children. He was an unusual deity in the Egyptian pantheon as very little is known of his creation and he had no dedicated temples. He was however one of the most important gods and was worshiped fastidiously across Egyptian homes, with small dedicated shrines. Visually he was portrayed front-on, in comparison to a profile view seen of Egyptian wall art. He was described as a dwarf god, a warrior with a demonic quality to him and was a culmination of man and animal. As a warrior he was seen as a protector, initially especially for women and children but this role grew to include anyone who needed it.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings: Ancient Egyptian Gods.

Weight N/A
Dimensions cm
Culture

Faience

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Egyptian Mythology

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Item 11.215.173

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