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| Item Number: |
2WXO1 |
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| Category: |
Egyptian |
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| Period: |
Late Period |
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| Date: |
c. 25th-30th Dynasty, 712-332 B.C. |
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| Material: |
Faience |
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| Length: |
1 3/4" (4.5cm) |
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| Display Stand: |
Not Applicable |
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| Price: |
$ 2800 (USD) |
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| Status: |
Available |
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| Description: |
A yellow glazed square-shaped openwork faience plaque amulet, depicting the stylized carved head of the Egyptian god Bes, wearing a crown of plumes, pierced horizontally for suspension.
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| Condition: |
Rejoined
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| References: |
C.A.R. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt (London, The British Museum Press, 1994)
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| Keywords: |
Bes: The image of the grimacing, bandy-legged deity Bes may be derived from that of a lion-masked priest of the Old Kingdom. Transformed over the passage of time, the image of Bes soon gained wide currency as a protector of women in labor, neonates, and the human body in general. Although he had no temples, it is clear that Bes enjoyed enormous popularity in Egypt and beyond. His image decorated countless decorative art objects with which the body routinely came into contact, such as beds and head-rests. As his music appeased the goddess Hathor, his image often formed the handles of sistra, or musical rattles. His image is also frequently found on Egyptian jewelry, in precious metals, and, more commonly, in faience.
Amulet: Term used to describe the small prophylactic charms favored by the Egyptians and other peoples. The Egyptians called these items ‘meket’, ‘nehet’, or ‘sa’, all words deriving from verbs meaning ‘to protect’, the term ‘wedja’ meaning ‘well being’ was also used. As well as affording protection, they may have been intended to imbue the wearer with particular qualities, or powers. Amulets that were worn in daily life, were used to protect the bearer, other amulets were made to adorn the mummified body of the deceased, and to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
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