An Egyptian amulet of the god Bes produced from glazed pale turquoise coloured faience. The head of the dwarf deity is depicted, as typical, wearing a plumed headdress consisting of five visible feathers. The facial features including his beard and protruding ears have been rendered in great detail to show his grotesque expression. The reverse is flat and unadorned. The amulet is pierced horizontally through the headdress. Some pitting and wear to the faience, earthly encrustation to the surface. 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. Bes was known as a household deity primarily. Depicted as a ferocious dwarf he was the protector of women and children. His fierce nature lent itself well to protection and Bes was also regarded the protector of huntsmen and the god of war. He gained popularity in the New Kingdom and was worshiped extensively, even into the Roman period. Archaeological evidence, found at Bawiti of a temple dedicated to Bes, comes from the Hellenistic period, with further evidence to show continued use into the Roman period. Measurements: (circa) H 1.8cm x W 1.3cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K. collection