C. 332-30 BC – Ptolemaic Period

A nice selection of three small faience amulets, consisting of Bes, Anubis and Sobek.

The dwarf-god Bes, wears a plumed headdress consisting of ostrich feathers. He was an ancient Egyptian deity worshipped as a protector of households, mothers, children and childbirth. Bes later came to be regarded as the defender of everything good and the enemy of all that is bad.

Anubis, the god of the dead and the process of embalming and associated with the afterlife. These funerary amulets were made in the form of gods and used to protect the mummies. Anubis stands on an oblong base with her arms by his side and left leg advanced and displays his characteristic jackal-form head, with pointed ears and snout.

The Egyptian deity “Sobek” depicted as a crocodile, was the god of the Nile and swamp who brought fertility to the land.

Typical style for period, with some earthy surface deposits and in good condition.

Provenance: Provincial Auction. West Sussex Collection, pre 1970’s.

Size: Bes: 15mm height.  Anubis: 16mm height.   Sobek: 14mm length