 |
|
Home |
|
Ancient Egyptian Amulet of the Head of Bes browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques: Regional Art: Ancient World: Egyptian: Faience: Pre AD 1000: item # 800990
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book $125 |
|
||||
|
Bes was a protective deity without temples and formal centers of worship, but the archaeological record indicates that he was extremely popular in the later Dynastic Period. Amulets of Bes were worn in life, especially by women and children, and he was thought to play an important role in protecting mother and child during birth. Imagery of Bes is unusual for Egyptian art because he is almost invariably portrayed head-on, facing the viewer rather than in profile. This rendering emphasizes his fearsome traits -- his lionine mane of hair, his long tail, the tall plumes in his hair, his sharp teeth, and his serpentine tongue. All of these traits in combination were thought to effectively ward off harmful spirits and bad luck. (Perhaps the most pointed evidence of this role is that prostitutes tattooed Bes on their bodies as protection against venereal disease!)
This amulet was formerly in the collection of Alex Malloy. AGE: Late Period (712-332 BC) CONDITION: Intact and in good shape. The suspension hole is clogged, but could potentially be carefully cleared. DIMENSIONS: About 2cm / 0.75" wide |
|||||
|
