Amulet of the god Pataikos. Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic period, ca. 300 BC. Earthenware. In good condition. Provenance: English Gallery; Jesús Vico Gallery, Madrid, 2022; Exhibited: Feriarte, Madrid, November 12-20, 2022. Measurements: 4,5 cm. Faience amulet representing the dwarf god Pataikos, squatting, with his legs bent sideways and his hands together on his prominent belly. His head is disproportionately large, accentuating the exaggeration of his facial features. Ancient Egyptians wore amulets along with other pieces of jewelry. Amulets were decorative, but they also had a practical function, as they were considered to bestow power and protection to the wearer. Many amulets have been found inside mummy wrappings, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife.

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