BASIC INFORMATION Object Name: Amulet of Bes Country of Origin: Ancient Egypt Historical Period: Late Dynastic Period / Late Period Date: Circa 664–332 BC Material: Blue Faience Deity: Bes A very attractive Ancient Egyptian blue faience amulet depicting Bes, dating to the Late Period, approximately 664–332 BC. Bes is shown frontally in his characteristic squatting pose, wearing a tall feathered headdress. The small figure retains a pleasing blue-green faience surface with extensive ancient surface character. A suspension hole allows the piece to have originally been worn or carried as a protective amulet.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION The amulet depicts Bes facing forward, his compact body rendered with bent legs and broad arms arranged around the torso. The head is surmounted by the deity's distinctive high feathered headdress. Facial and bodily details remain visible despite considerable age-related surface wear. The faience has developed an attractive turquoise to blue-green coloration, with darker mineral deposits and scattered brown inclusions across both the front and reverse. The reverse is relatively flat, while the front is modeled in relief. A transverse suspension hole is present near the upper portion of the amulet.

DIMENSIONS Height: 29.5 mm (1.16 in)

CONDITION REPORT Good archaeological condition for an object of this considerable age. The amulet appears complete, with the principal form of Bes and the feathered headdress clearly recognizable. The surface displays pitting, wear, mineral deposits, discoloration and areas of glaze deterioration consistent with burial and age. Scattered darker deposits and exposed areas are present across both the front and reverse. The suspension hole remains present. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition report.

PROVENANCE & CONTEXT Provenance: From the William Whetstone Collection. Previous Sale: Ex CNG sale. Exact auction information will be provided after the present listing has closed. Bes was one of the most distinctive protective deities of Ancient Egypt. Unlike many Egyptian gods who were normally represented in profile, Bes was characteristically shown full-face, often as a squat, powerful figure with a feathered headdress. He was especially associated with the protection of the household, women and children, childbirth, music, dance and celebration. Small amulets depicting Bes were worn as personal protective objects and are among the most recognizable forms of Egyptian religious jewelry. Faience was particularly suited to such amulets. Its brilliant blue and blue-green surface carried associations with regeneration, life and divine protection in Egyptian material culture. This example is particularly appealing for its recognizable iconography, surviving blue-green faience surface, suspension hole and documented collection provenance.