An Egyptian Faience Bes Plaque, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Vessels - Glass and encrustation consistent with age

and encrustation consistent with age

British Museum (London

saturated red hue

Intaglio rings such as this served not only as items of personal jewelry but also as signet rings

An Egyptian Faience Bes Plaque, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE Vessels - Glass and encrustation consistent with ageA finely carved rectangular faience plaque depicting the frontal face of Bes, the apotropaic dwarf god associated with protection, childbirth, and household well being. The deity is shown with his characteristic grotesque features, leonine mane, and radiating feathered crown. Amulets and plaques bearing the image of Bes were widely worn in ancient Egypt as protective devices, believed to ward off malevolent forces and safeguard the wearer,