Ancient Egypt, Late Period Faience Plaque Amulet with Bes






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Ancient Egyptian Late Period turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes, circa 664–332 BC, 2.7 cm by 2.2 cm, with a suspension loop and repaired condition.
Description from the seller
A fine Ancient Egyptian turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes on one side. The head of the dwarf deity is depicted, facing forward, large ears facing outwards. The facial features are carefully rendered, displaying his almond shaped eyes, large nose and beard. A large suspension loop has been attached to the top. The reverse of the amulet is unworked and plain. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and chipping (to the suspension loop). Discolouration to the left side of the face. Right corner of the face and the beard has been chipped and repaired, with a crack still visible.
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.
Measurements: (circa) L 2.7cm x W 2.2cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
A fine Ancient Egyptian turquoise faience rectangular plaque amulet depicting the head of Bes on one side. The head of the dwarf deity is depicted, facing forward, large ears facing outwards. The facial features are carefully rendered, displaying his almond shaped eyes, large nose and beard. A large suspension loop has been attached to the top. The reverse of the amulet is unworked and plain. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and chipping (to the suspension loop). Discolouration to the left side of the face. Right corner of the face and the beard has been chipped and repaired, with a crack still visible.
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.
Measurements: (circa) L 2.7cm x W 2.2cm
Provenance: From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
