Statuette of Bes

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Statuette of Bes

Description

Bes was an Egyptian god associated with childbirth and the repelling of evil spirits. He was a widely venerated deity and sculptures of him have been recovered in great numbers from ancient houses, where he played an important role as a household god, protecting women during childbirth and watching after children as they grew. Bes was represented as a dwarf with the curling mane of a lion and a headdress of erect feathers, and was sometimes dressed in a soldiers tunic, ready to launch an attack on any approaching evil. As a deity guarding the home, he was often depicted on household items such as furniture, mirrors, cosmetic containers, knives, and magical wands.