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PLAQUE AMULET WITH BES HEAD AND WEDJAT EYE

Date Third Intermediate Period
Object type amulet
Medium, technique faience, blue, extruded
Dimensions

2 cm x 1.5 cm

Inventory number 51.2701
Collection Egyptian Art
On view This artwork is not on display

Mould-made, green-blue amulet with milled edges representing two different figures in the frame: on one side the head of the god Bes, on the other the left eye of Horus, the wedjat eye. The Eye of Horus was injured during his fight with Seth but was restored by divine help and became healthy and sound again. Therefore, the wedjat eye was associated with regeneration, healing, and rebirth. On the other side of the amulet, Bes is represented with a bearded face and a protruded tongue, wearing a plumed headdress. Bes was one of the most important apotropaic gods in ancient Egypt, he protected the households and the families, particularly women and children. His power was believed to ensure protection against evil intentions and diseases. This amulet is a good example of the syncretism of the two gods, Bes and Horus, in the Late Period. The amulet is pierced widthwise and was worn and suspended through the two holes on the jagged rim, opposite each other. This amulet was thought to guard its wearer by the healing and protecting power of the two gods.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

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