Bes
Catalogue Image
2016-00-00
Name/Title
BesEntry/Object ID
08EG14129Description
Figurine of the god Bes. There is a small rectangle platform on the top of the head. Underneath that there are two well defined brow ridges. Two deeply carved eyes are inline with large ears that protrude out from the head. The nose is very wide. The mouth is wide open with the upper teeth showing. The tongue fills the open mouth and is red. The beard shows strands of hair and curls at the end. There is something tied around his neck and it forms a M shape on the center of the chest. The center of the M shape looks like the shape of an animal head. Hands are resting on the top of the legs. There is a belt tied around the waist.Type of Sculpture
StatuetteArtwork Details
Medium
Faiance, PlasterContext
Protector of women and children and the sun god Ra, Bes was a household god characterized as a bandy-legged dwarf. Originally, Bes spirits wore the skins of lions on their backs. Over time, they were depicted with only lion’s ears and tails. The lion symbolism may have come from Bes’ possible Sudanese origins; the god made his appearance in Egypt in the Twelfth Dynasty (2000-1790 BC). Bes was called upon in times of illness and used music to frighten away evil spirits. His head is often depicted over the figure of a naked child as a protective guardian. His facial expressions varied from jolly to fierce. His image came to be a common amulet (see: Faience Amulets), which many wore around the neck. His likeness has also been found on mirrors, beds, head-rests, cosmetic pots, stelae, and altars. Bes had no temple and was dependent on individual summons.Made/Created
Date made
750 BCE - 650 BCETime Period
UnknownEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Egyptian