Faience Amulet of a Pataikos

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Late period, 664-332 B.C.

Material: Faience

Dimensions: 5.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1437

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. J. T. Goodrich (1946-2020), New York.

Condition: Broken along the upper thighs, the break is smoothened. Some minor wear on the face, but overall of a strong expression.

Description: A beautifully worked out, large amulet of a standing pataikos. The nude dwarf-god with an oversized head, which is flat on top and rounded at the back. The face with fine features, finely drawn brows and a friendly smile. The buttocks is far protruding at the back. The strong arms are formed to fists and pushed into the hips. On the back of the head a broad, multiple-ribbed eyelet for suspension reaching to the nape. Pataikos is a dwarf-like god who was very popular with the common people and had an apotropaic function. He is the naturalistic depiction of a dwarf and almost solely used as an amulet. Mounted.