The grinning dwarf god Bes was one of the most
popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon, one whose
worship was absorbed almost intact into Hellenistic
culture. He was a popular subject for amulets, and
part of his appeal appears to have been the
perception that he was more accessible and willing to
listen to the common man than were the intimidating
national gods such as Amun, Osiris, or Horus. In
addition to being a patron god of music and art, Bes
was believed to protect mankind from all evil and
malevolence and thus is a fitting subject for amulets.
He was also held to be a protector of pregnant
women, amusing them during childbirth so that they
forget the pain. Bes is usually depicted as a dwarf
with a face that is both leonine and human. Here, he
is represented nude squatting down with bent knees,
brandishing a sword in his raised right hand and
clenching a snake in his lowered left hand, as if about
to decapitate this serpent. He is shown with his
characteristic leonine beard and plumed headdress.
Created during the Roman Period, when the
Emperors of Rome ruled over the land of Egypt, this
impressive relief panel is a testament to the
popularity of Bes during this period of heavy
Classical influence.
- (X.0137)
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