Bes amulet
332 BCE-100 CE
Medium
faience
Measurements
5.3 × 2.4 × 1.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Accessioned, 1982
Gallery location
18th Century Decorative Arts - Great Hall Costume Corridor
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
Amulets are small objects that had magical properties for the ancient Egyptians. Their function was mainly protective but they may have also offered the wearer qualities such as strength or fertility. For this reason, amulets were often worn as jewellery but they were also placed within the wrappings of mummies. Amulets were made from a variety of materials, including a range of stones, but the majority were made from faience, a glass-like paste that was moulded, fired and glazed. Animals were frequently depicted, and gods and goddesses were often portrayed from the New Kingdom onwards.
Artwork Details
Physical description
Amulet of the god Bes in his typical posture with knees bent, hands resting on his legs and tongue poking out. He wears the four plumed crown. Intact and pierced through the sides at the base of the crown.