Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Figure of the God Bes

ca. 945–712 B.C.E., or later

1 of 3

Object Label

The unusual frontal attitude, extended tongue, and feathered headdress of the leonine god Bes offer a powerful image of protection. This terrifying deity was believed to guard worshippers during the most vulnerable moments of pregnancy and childbirth, and in the transition between life and death.

Caption

Figure of the God Bes, ca. 945–712 B.C.E., or later. Faience, 6 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (17.5 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.309E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Figure of the God Bes

Date

ca. 945–712 B.C.E., or later

Dynasty

Dynasty 22

Period

Third Intermediate Period

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Faience

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

6 7/8 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (17.5 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.309E

Frequent Art Questions

  • Could you tell me how faience was made?

    Faience is a man-made mixture of "ground quartz or quartz-sand held together by and alkaline binder. The bright and shiny surface seen on this figurine is a result of glazing. The glaze was made of a form of powdered glass mixed with a liquid and applied either with a brush or by dipping the entire figurine.
    It gets it's blue color from copper that is mixed into or applied to the surface of the quartz body before firing.

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