Ancient Egyptian Faience Bes amulet. 4,6 cm L. 664 - 332 BC
05
days
05
hours
24
minutes
02
seconds
Current bid
€ 380
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,400
 | €380 | |
|---|---|---|
| €360 | |
| €340 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 141030 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Bes amulet, a circular faience pendant from Ancient Egypt’s Late Period (664–332 BC), 4.6 cm tall, in good condition, with provenance from a private collection in Germany (1960) and authenticity stated as original/official.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Bes amulet
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience
4,6 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.
Bes amulet
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Faience
4,6 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.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Late Period, 664 - 332 BC
Name of object
Bes amulet. 4,6 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.
