Altägyptisch Fayence Amulett des Gottes Bes - 43 mm

Ancient Egyptian

Provenance:

Collection passed on to me by mother (P.M.Shaw) in 2009
Given to her by
J.G.Judd who acquired the piece part of a strand of varied depictions and amulets from Cairo dealer 02-11-1978. - with copy of original invoice available.

International Signed and Tracked.

Faience Amulet of God Bes.

​Material: Egyptian Faience (a self-glazing, quartz-based ceramic).

​Key Features: He is depicted with his classic grotesque, lion-like face and a stylized, wide beard.
​His tongue is sticking out, a traditional protective gesture meant to ward off evil forces.

​He has a characteristically dwarf-like, bow-legged physique, standing on a small integral rectangular base with his hands resting firmly on his thighs.
​Atop his head is a modified crown or headdress base that transitions into a pierced suspension loop, meaning this was intended to be worn on a necklace or cord as a personal talisman.
​The back features a flat back-pillar, typical of mold-made amulets from later Egyptian periods.

​Color: A vibrant, glossy turquoise blue. This color was deeply symbolic to the Egyptians, representing fertility, rebirth, and the life-giving waters of the Nile.

​Condition: Overall, it is in excellent condition with very crisp molded details. The glaze shows characteristic age-related weathering, with minor pitting, fine surface crazing, and some localized brownish iron/soil staining (particularly along the crevices and the back pillar) consistent with long-term burial.

Dating & Period

​Amulets of Bes in this specific stylized form—featuring a prominent back pillar, a bright turquoise-blue glaze, and a standard suspension loop at the crest—were produced in massive quantities during Egypt's later eras.

​Estimated Date: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (c. 664 – 30 BCE)
​Estimated Dating : It could potentially date as early as the Third Intermediate Period (c. 1070 – 664 BCE), though the crispness of the glaze and specific back-pillar mold-style lean heavily toward the 26th Dynasty or later.

Microscopic images have been added to display pigmentation and integrity of the core faience.


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