740 - Egyptian Polychrome Faience Amulet of the God Bes Fashioned as a Dress Pin. Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C. The dwarf god depicted in a characteristic bandy-legged stance, with his hands on his hips and a fearsome expression, wearing a plumed headdress; the deep blue glaze highlighted in yellow; set in a metal casing with hinged pins on the reverse and a red jasper insert depicting four plumes beneath his feet. Tinius, I., Alt gypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des St dtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, pp. 133-134, no. 226, for a similar Bes amulet from Abydos. 13.7 grams, 52 mm (2 in.).

Egyptian Polychrome Faience Amulet of the God Bes Fashioned as a Dress Pin. Late-Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C. The dwarf god depicted in a characteristic bandy-legged stance, with his hands on his hips and a fearsome expression, wearing a plumed headdress; the deep blue glaze highlighted in yellow; set in a metal casing with hinged pins on the reverse and a red jasper insert depicting four plumes beneath his feet. Tinius, I., Alt gypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des St dtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, pp. 133-134, no. 226, for a similar Bes amulet from Abydos. 13.7 grams, 52 mm (2 in.). Early 20th century UK collection. Ex A.H. collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information page with provenance. From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was believed to shield them from snakes. The role of Bes as a guardian of women persisted at least until the third or fourth century A.D. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.