Late Period, Ca. 663-323 BC. Blue glazed faience amulet of the dwarf god Bes. Plumed headdress containing a suspension hole, a gnarling, somewhat-leonine head, and the body of a squatting dwarf. Amulets of Bes were commonly worn to protect children and new mothers. His wild and ‘ugly’ features were expected to frighten off demons, particularly those demons believed to bring sickness to children and mothers. He was an extremely popular god, although he had almost no temples or cult centres, instead being worshipped in the home.Size: L:33mm / W:17mm ; 6gProvenance: From an old British collection of Ancient Art formed in the 1990s on the UK and European art market.