Late Period, 664-332 BC. A green glazed composition amulet of nude Pataikos, a bandy-legged dwarf with exaggerated genitals, hands with extended forefingers resting on his thighs, bald head topped with a scarab beetle; ribbed suspension loop. 20.8 grams, 73mm (3"). From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent. Pataikos was a phylactic (protective) deity worshipped in ancient Egypt from the time of the Old Kingdom. Amulets of the god, which appear to have been worn around the neck, are well-attested from the New Kingdom period. Pataikos and related deities are frequently depicted stepping upon and holding crocodiles, snakes and scorpions, symbolic of their ability to ward away malevolent forces. The word 'Pataikos' was coined by the Greek writer Herodotus to refer to the representations of Ptah, the god of craftsman, as a dwarf - 'Pataikos' literally means 'little Ptah'. He also records that Pataikos was regarded as the son of Ptah.