Description:

Egypt, Late Period, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. Wonderfully detailed 12K gold applique of the god Bes with nice details in repousse. His grotesque and gruesome face was supposed to ward off all dangerous creatures. His beard, feather headdress, and lion's ears add to his un-Egyptian and therefore perceieved as fearsome looks. Pierced at top and lower corners for attachment. Size: .625" L x .325" W (1.6 cm x 0.8 cm)

The main task of this god was to give protection, especially in circumstances where dangers were lurking, such as during childbirth or during the night when people were sleeping, unaware of what was happening around them; hence, to protect the ancients, representations of Bes (or similar gods, like Taweret) were put on furniture like beds and headrests. Depictions of the god were also worn as amulets as a general protection against evil. In addition, Bes had a completely different, solar aspect, as can be seen on so-called magical stelae. There he represented the old sun god, being rejuvenated in the (solar) child Horus who is shown triumphing over forces of evil, represented by snakes, crocodiles and a gazelle.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#122331

  • Condition: Superb!

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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