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Bes on a column holding a knife 664–30 B.C. Late Period–Ptolemaic Period Although often named simply Bes, this unusual figure is properly termed a Bes-image because it serves to represent a number of different deities who were protective gods, often with a close association to the protection of women and children during and after childbirth. The Bes-image has a mixture of attributes, displaying a dwarf’s body but also incorporating leonine features, such as a lion’s mane and tail. The Bes-image normally wears a feathered crown, which is broken on this figure. Here "Bes" stands on a papyrus col

Bes on a column holding a knife 664–30 B.C. Late Period–Ptolemaic Period Although often named simply Bes, this unusual figure is properly termed a Bes-image because it serves to represent a number of different deities who were protective gods, often with a close association to the protection of women and children during and after childbirth. The Bes-image has a mixture of attributes, displaying a dwarf’s body but also incorporating leonine features, such as a lion’s mane and tail. The Bes-image normally wears a feathered crown, which is broken on this figure. Here "Bes" stands on a papyrus col Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

MET/BOT / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2HHW1NY

File size:

30.5 MB (1.1 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

2667 x 4000 px | 22.6 x 33.9 cm | 8.9 x 13.3 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

19 January 2022

More information:

This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Alamy charges you a fee for access to the high resolution copy of the image.

This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

Bes on a column holding a knife 664–30 B.C. Late Period–Ptolemaic Period Although often named simply Bes, this unusual figure is properly termed a Bes-image because it serves to represent a number of different deities who were protective gods, often with a close association to the protection of women and children during and after childbirth. The Bes-image has a mixture of attributes, displaying a dwarf’s body but also incorporating leonine features, such as a lion’s mane and tail. The Bes-image normally wears a feathered crown, which is broken on this figure. Here "Bes" stands on a papyrus column and brandishes a knife, which he would have used to attack and subdue any malignant forces that would threaten the owner. Bes-images could be standalone offerings, as this one may have been, but they were also frequently incorporated into furniture or personal items to bring good fortune and protection daily. Bes figures had no central cult location, but they were widely manufactured and were closely linked with child gods, who were important in temple cult. Some small Bes shrines are known and the Bes-image also had a role in temple mammisis, or birth houses.. Bes on a column holding a knife 570698