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Dancing Bes alongside seated group of musicians

Ptolemaic Period
332–30 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
This elaborate terracotta depicts Bes dancing alongside a trio of musicians seated on a bench. The musicians include a syrinx (Pan-pipe) player, a double-flute player, and one playing a lyre with a plectrum. They wear long garments and shoulder-length curly hair over which they pull round caps with folded brims. The bench has elaborate carved armrests and a long footstool.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dancing Bes alongside seated group of musicians
  • Period: Ptolemaic Period
  • Date: 332–30 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Pottery
  • Dimensions: H. 8.8 cm (3 7/16 in.); W. 9.9 cm (3 7/8 in.); D. 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Lily S. Place, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.6.79
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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