Ancient Egypt, Late Period Faience Bes amulet - 19.4 mm

Egyptian Bes amulet. Late Period. 664-332 BC.

The Late Period of ancient Egypt (664-332 BC) refers to the last flowering of native Egyptian rulers. This period ended with the conquests of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great and establishment of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Bes is a protective deity from Egyptian mythology. He is worshiped as the defender of all that is good, protecting homes, mothers and children. He is also associated with love and sexuality. Egyptians used to put it on the doors of houses to keep away evil genies that could attack them during their sleep.

In terms of iconography, Bes is represented as a small man, with beard and headdress. He is usually depicted naked, carrying musical instruments or knives. Unlike other figures in Egyptian art, he is usually depicted on frontal size.

Provenance: Purchased in 2015 to a London gallery.

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