Large Terracotta Statuette of Bes

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Roman period, 1st century A.D.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 20 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1407

Provenance: Private collection Dr. B.C., inventory number 58, acquired from the gallery Carrefour on 21 November 1973. With a copy of the handwritten inventory list of the collection.

Condition: A small chip on the left front of the base, otherwise intact.

Description: Terracotta statuette of the dwarf-like tutelary Bes as a warrior with a raised sword and shield. The undressed Bes wears a high feather crown. The grotesque face with the tongue sticking out, thick shags, bulging brows, lion-like ears and eyes wide open. Contrary to earlier depictions the features almost human-like are typical for the Hellenistic influence in the Greek-Roman period. Bes had in households and temples always an apotropaic function. He protected against dangerous animals of the desert, such as snakes and scorpions. At the same time, he was worshiped as the god of procreation and birth. He is considered as the protector of pregnant women and newborns. His depictions are therefore often found in women’s rooms and on the heads of beds (especially nuptial beds). The back with a venting hole. See for the depiction in the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Lisbon, inventory number E 209, as well as Bonhams auction on 7 July 2016, lot 119. Mounted.