A finely modelled Egyptian light blue glazed faience amulet of the dwarf god Pataikos. The deity is depicted nude in his typical pose, crouching with his legs apart on top of a square base, and his arms resting by his sides. His large head displays exaggerated facial features, including a wide nose, large cheeks, and almond-shaped eyes under a protruding brow bone. The amulet is pierced through the neck for suspension. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting. The dwarf god Pataikos was believed to have been a protection deity. He was considered the son of the craftsman’s god, Ptah, and his name is presumed to originate from discussions by Herodotus. Pataikos essentially means ‘little Ptah’. Pataikos is associated with violent forces; Egyptian artwork depicts him walking over snakes and crocodiles, or grasping them in his hands, in some instances, he has a scarab beetle on the top of his head. His protective and fierce qualities were believed to ward off evils that may result in injuries, illnesses or misfortune. He is also often associated and depicted with the dwarf god Bes, appearing together on amulets. Measurements: (circa) H 2.3cm x W 1cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K collection