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Bes Jar

Place of production Egypt
Date 7th-4th centuries B.C.
Object type vessel
Medium, technique Marl
Dimensions

14 × 10 cm

Inventory number 51.2077
Collection Egyptian Art
On view Museum of Fine Arts, Basement Floor, Ancient Egypt, Daily life

This small, marly clay vessel represents the image of the god Bes. The rim of the upper part of its neck is damaged. On the side, the small decorative elements of additional clay have been applied to represent the two eyes and ears, as well as the snub nose of Bes. The mouth was not depicted. His face and image often appeared on household objects like mirrors, cosmetic spoon handles, legs of beds and chairs, headrests, and vessels. So, his protection was tangibly present everywhere in their home. Bes jars may have been found in houses, funerary temples, and tombs. The Bes jars contained milk, water, wine, beer and medical or cosmetic products.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

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