Bes-image pendant
With its curled beard, thick, curving eyebrows, projecting tongue, and patterned hair, this Bes-image epitomizes the new style for such works that emerged early in the Late Period and that was distinct from the earlier examples of the Third Intermediate Period. The large hole piercing the crown seems to suggest that the figure was intended to be suspended, but there are no depictions from this period, on either statues or reliefs, of such items being worn in that manner. Given its excellent condition, perhaps the pendant was an amulet meant to be donated to a shrine, whether in a house or a temple, where it could have been safely installed so that its donor could honor the god and attend any rite.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bes-image pendant
- Period: Late Period, probably Saite Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 26
- Date: 664–525 BCE
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: H. 7.2 × W. 4.4 × D. 2 cm (2 13/16 × 1 3/4 × 13/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
- Object Number: 26.7.1040
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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664–525 BCE
ca. 872–664 BCE
4th century B.C.
360–343 BCE
200–30 B.C.
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