Fragmentary Amulet of Pataikos
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
The ancient Egyptians regarded short stature as a mark of divinity. They associated the physical characteristics of achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism) with the sun god Re. In Egyptian mythology, Re died in the evening and was reborn every morning as a wise, experienced, yet youthful god. The symbol of the morning sun, the scarab, evoked the silhouette of a large torso with short, curved limbs.
This fragmentary amulet is an example of religion and magic practiced by regular Egyptians. As timeless symbols of rebirth, images of Pataikos and other gods of short stature protected women and children during dangerous times of transition, especially pregnancy and birth, repelling evil and aiding regeneration.
MEDIUM
Faience
DATES
ca. 1539–30 B.C.E.
PERIOD
New Kingdom or later
ACCESSION NUMBER
X1182.2
CREDIT LINE
Brooklyn Museum Collection
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Fragmentary Amulet of Pataikos, ca. 1539–30 B.C.E. Faience, 1 15/16 x 1 1/2 in. (5 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1182.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X1182.2_front_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
front, X1182.2_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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