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Bes carrying a ram over his shoulders

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
664–30 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
This figure has notable elements of the iconography of Bes - feathers atop the massive head, a pelt knotted around his neck, and a squat powerful body. On the other hand, Bes's usual lined face and thrusting tongue are omitted so the figure looks somewhat unfamiliar. In addition, Bes carries what appears to be a goat over his shoulders.

Potentially related images in Egypt can be noted: Bes is sometimes associated with caprids, Egyptian offering bearers carrying calves and antelope-like animals over their shoulders are frequently represented in reliefs, and Hellenistic depictions of dwarves also often carry similar animals. On the other hand, among Egyptian terracottas the Greek god Pan normally carries a goat, and Bes and Pan were certainly sometimes related, as for instance to the 'master of animals' figure on Cyprus.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bes carrying a ram over his shoulders
  • Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 664–30 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Cupreous metal
  • Dimensions: H. 6.3 cm (2 1/2 in.); W. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); D. 1.3 cm (1/2 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Lily S. Place, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.6.14
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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