Egyptian Faience Amulet of Bes

New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, Reign of Akhenaten, c. 1353–1336 BC, Thebes, Egypt

An evocative and beautifully crafted turquoise blue faience amulet depicting Bes, the powerful household deity of ancient Egypt. Mould-made figure is shown in his classic squatting pose, hands resting firmly on his knees. His features are intentionally exaggerated—sweeping brows, pronounced almond-shaped eyes, a prominent beard, and an oversized head adorned with a small plume of feathers. A suspension perforation sits upon the head, now chipped, indicating this amulet was once worn as a protective charm.

Bes was a highly unusual yet beloved figure in the Egyptian pantheon. Unlike the major gods, Bes had no temples, no state cult, and little formal mythology—yet he was everywhere. Revered as a dwarf-god of protection, he safeguarded homes, mothers, and children, and was deeply embedded in the fabric of daily Egyptian life. His fierce, almost demonic appearance belied a benevolent nature. While traditional Egyptian gods were shown in profile, Bes was always portrayed frontally, a rare and distinctive choice that made his presence feel direct and confronting—perfect for warding off evil.

During the reign of Akhenaten—a period marked by religious upheaval—Bes maintained his popularity among the people. Soldiers would etch his image onto their shields for protection in battle. Women carried his likeness in amulets or even had him tattooed onto their skin, trusting in his apotropaic power.

This amulet, created in one of the most artistically experimental periods of the New Kingdom, is a rare and deeply personal artifact. It’s not just a piece of ancient craftsmanship—it’s a symbol of hope, strength, and everyday faith in the protective spirit of one of Egypt’s most enduring household gods.

Moderate condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, chip with encrusted patina. Size approx. 1,1cm x 0,6cm x 0,4cm.

Provenance: British private collection.

For a similar examples see:

Bes Amulet, National Museums Liverpool, Accession Number: 44.19.143 (https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/artifact/bes-amulet-10)

References and further reading:

Amulets of Ancient Egypt, Carol Andrews, University of Texas Press, 1994.

Ancient Egyptian Amulets, Isabel Stünkel, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2019. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egam/hd_egam.htm)

Egypt in the New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1070 B.C.), Catharine H. Roehrig, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2000. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/nking/hd_nking.htm)