Ptolemaic Period Terracotta Sculpture of Bes, 300 BCE - 100 CE
Terracotta
4 x 6.125
PF.0230
Further images
The grinning dwarf god Bes was a popular deity in Egypt over many centuries, one whose worship was absorbed almost intact into Hellenistic culture. His function was to protect mankind...
The grinning dwarf god Bes was a popular deity in Egypt over many centuries, one whose worship was absorbed almost intact into Hellenistic culture. His function was to protect mankind from all evil and malevolence, and to amuse women in childbirth so that they would forget the pain. This plump and charming votive, offered at an ancient temple of the god, keeps the earlier Egyptian form of Bes but shows the influence of Greek naturalism. We are reassured that Bes’ benevolent magic is still strong, warding off all that is less than good.