This spectacular Pataikos amulet, made of blue faience, is a representation of a protective figure widely used in Ancient Egypt during the Late Period (664 - 332 BC). With dimensions of 6 cm in height, 3 cm in width and 1.6 cm in depth, the piece is in excellent condition of preservation. The figure of Pataikos is characterized by its squat appearance and its naked body, with a large head and defined facial features. Its posture with its arms folded and its hands on its belly is typical of this type of representation. On many occasions, these amulets were linked to the god Ptah, the creator and divine craftsman of Egyptian mythology, of whom Pataikos was a dwarf form. These figures were believed to possess apotropaic powers, that is, they protected against evil and negative forces. The blue faience used in the making of the amulet is a glazed ceramic material that was highly prized in Ancient Egypt for its association with water, regeneration and divine protection. This blue-green hue evoked the colour of the Nile and the sky, fundamental elements in the Egyptian worldview. On the reverse of the figure, an interesting detail can be seen: the hair is worked with lines that suggest a wig or a typical headdress. In addition, the general shape of the body and the short legs suggest a stylised interpretation of the human figure, in keeping with the iconography of the dwarf and protective gods of the Egyptian pantheon. Some Pataikos amulets also included additional elements such as knives, scarabs or cobras, but in this case, the representation is simple and focuses on the figure itself. These amulets were used by both adults and children, as they were believed to offer protection against illness, danger and bad influences. They were often worn as pendants or placed in tombs to ensure the safety of the deceased in the afterlife. In conclusion, this Pataikos amulet is an exceptional example of the art and religiosity of Ancient Egypt, where the combination of symbolic materials, refined techniques and deeply rooted beliefs gave rise to objects of great aesthetic and spiritual value. Acquired from a french private collection, C.R in the 80's. - The piece includes an authenticity certificate. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks. IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: SWITZERLAND & UNITED STATES of AMERICA. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %. Please note that for far destination (Asia, middle east etc.. ), there will be an additional cost for the shipping.