Amulet of a Bes-image

Unknown

ca. 1070–664 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

Characteristics drawn from achondroplasia are melded with that of lions to create a fierce-looking group of deities, of which this amulet represents one. They protected people during their life as well as after their death. This amulet with its bright blue color and black spots probably represents Bes, an important deity in the myth of the faraway goddess and Third Intermediate Period examples, representing characters in this story, are often made of this spotted faience.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1070–664 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020