Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A mold-formed faience pendant depicting a squat effigy of Bes - the dwarf god associated with protecting women and children - on both sides. Each instance of Bes portrays him standing atop attenuated legs, holding both arms to his drooping belly, and peering forward with recessed eyes hidden beneath the folds of his brow. Resting atop his head is his signature feathered headdress. A suspension hole is biconically drilled through the base of the headdress and enables this artifact to be worn as a pendant. Covered in turquoise-hued glaze, this is a wonderful and expressive example of ancient Egyptian artistry! Size: 1.25" W x 2" H (3.2 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s; ex-private Herefordshire, UK collection, 1970

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#165743

Minor pitting to surfaces, with wear and fading to glaze pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of glaze pigment throughout, and great preservation to figural details on both sides. Old collection information written in black ink atop white material beneath base plinth.