An Ancient Egyptian dark green faience plaque amulet, featuring the dwarf god Pataikos. The obverse is decorated with the god Pataikos in his typical pose, nude, crouching with his legs apart, on a flattened, rectangular base. His hands are placed on either side of his rounded, protruding stomach. His large head is shaven, represented with a horizontal line, and displays circular eyes, a long nose, and small mouth, now worn. A rounded protrusion at the top of his head further enriches the amulet. The reverse is flat and presents a motif rendered with linear incisions, possibly a lotus flower or a figure striding to the right, wearing a headdress . The amulet is pierced through the head for suspension. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, chipping, and some wear to the details, to the surface. The dwarf god Pataikos was believed to have been a protection deity. He was considered the son of the craftsman’s god, Ptah, and his name is presumed to originate from discussions by Herodotus. Pataikos essentially means ‘little Ptah’. Pataikos is associated with violent forces; Egyptian artwork depicts him walking over snakes and crocodiles, or grasping them in his hands, in some instances, he has a scarab beetle on the top of his head. His protective and fierce qualities were believed to ward off evils that may result in injuries, illnesses or misfortune. He is also often associated and depicted with the dwarf god Bes, appearing together on amulets. Measurements: (circa) L 1.2cm x W 0.5cm x H 1.9cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K collection