Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 BC. A turquoise amulet of the head of Bes with defined arching eyebrows and curving moustache. 1.83 grams, 20mm (3/4") From a collection of the early 20th century. Bes was an ancient Egyptian dwarf god, patron of childbirth and the home, and was associated with sexuality, humour, music and dancing. His image appears on a number of magic wands that are thought to be associated with birthing rituals. It was during the Ptolemaic period that the popularity of Bes reached its peak; shrines associated with god, known as Mammisi, or birth chambers were built close to the temples of major gods and had incubation chambers within them for healing ceremonies, most likely associated with fertility and birth.

Very fine condition.