Scarab with Baboons Adoring Bes

Unknown

ca. 1295–1070 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

The Bes-image, that of an individual who combines characteristics of a dwarf and a lion, stands in a frontal view with his hands resting on his thighs, a tail hanging between his legs. He wears a headdress consisting of large plumes. On either side are baboons raising both hands towards the Bes-image in a gesture of adoration. The baboons are animals of Thoth, but the sun disks above their heads underscore their solar aspect so they are animals adoring the sun and therefore the Bes-image becomes a solar symbol.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1295–1070 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1905