Romano-Egyptian Pottery Figure of Bes

**Originally Listed At $500**

Egypt, Romano-Egyptian Period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A fine mold-formed terracotta figurative depiction of the dwarf deity Bes. The nude Bes sits on an integral plinth with both hands resting on his rotund abdomen and delineated genitalia hanging below. His visage presents with ovoid eyes, teardrop-form ears, an upturned nose with flared nostrils, and puffy lips surrounded by a full mustache and lengthy beard. A petite pair of ears flanks his head, which is topped by a double-horned headdress. The figure is covered in a white slip with a deep red pigment in some recessed areas. The deity Bes watched over the members of a household, particularly the women and children, and protected them with the magical sign "sa." Size: 2" W x 3.3" H (5.1 cm x 8.4 cm); 6.6" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Anchorage, Alaska, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166730
Condition Report: Label on verso of custom stand reads "N.C. MUSEUM OF ART / LOAN GL.57.14.46." Verso of stand is also inscribed with same collection number below label. Missing proper left horn of headdress. Loss to tip of right horn on headdress. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remains of pigment.