Ancient Egyptian Faience Bes amulet. 3,4 cm L. 664 - 332 BC
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
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Description from the seller
Bes amulet
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience
3,4 cm height.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany, 1960.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Bes was one of the most popular protective deities in ancient Egypt. Unlike many Egyptian gods who were depicted in profile, Bes was shown frontally, with a dwarf-like body, leonine features, a protruding tongue, and a feathered crown. He was associated with protection of the household, childbirth, music, and joy. His fierce and exaggerated appearance was intended to frighten away evil spirits and harmful forces.
Flat circular amulets made of faience bearing the face of Bes were widely produced, especially during the Late Period. These amulets were typically small, disk-shaped plaques molded with the god’s expressive facial features in relief. The bright blue or green glaze of faience enhanced their symbolic meaning, as these colors were linked to regeneration, vitality, and protective magic.
Such amulets were often pierced at the top so they could be worn as pendants or sewn onto clothing. They functioned as personal protective charms, particularly for women and children. In domestic contexts, they may also have been placed in homes to guard against illness, misfortune, and malevolent spirits.
The circular form emphasized the face of Bes as a direct, watchful presence. These objects combined bold iconography with accessible materials, making divine protection available in everyday life throughout ancient Egyptian society.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees 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 on 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%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateBes amulet
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience
3,4 cm height.
Provenance: Private collection, Germany, 1960.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Bes was one of the most popular protective deities in ancient Egypt. Unlike many Egyptian gods who were depicted in profile, Bes was shown frontally, with a dwarf-like body, leonine features, a protruding tongue, and a feathered crown. He was associated with protection of the household, childbirth, music, and joy. His fierce and exaggerated appearance was intended to frighten away evil spirits and harmful forces.
Flat circular amulets made of faience bearing the face of Bes were widely produced, especially during the Late Period. These amulets were typically small, disk-shaped plaques molded with the god’s expressive facial features in relief. The bright blue or green glaze of faience enhanced their symbolic meaning, as these colors were linked to regeneration, vitality, and protective magic.
Such amulets were often pierced at the top so they could be worn as pendants or sewn onto clothing. They functioned as personal protective charms, particularly for women and children. In domestic contexts, they may also have been placed in homes to guard against illness, misfortune, and malevolent spirits.
The circular form emphasized the face of Bes as a direct, watchful presence. These objects combined bold iconography with accessible materials, making divine protection available in everyday life throughout ancient Egyptian society.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees 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 on 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%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Name of object
Bes amulet. 3,4 cm L. 664 - 332 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Faience
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
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.
