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Container in the form of a Bes-image

Late Period
525–404 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 899
This squat human form with leonine features is commonly identified as the god Bes, but several other minor Egyptian gods were also represented by this image. These were protective deities, so they appear frequently as apotropaic figures in the decoration of furniture and personal belongings. Here, the god stands holding the cap of a kohl container, which has a small round hole in the top for insertion of an applicator. The container, which is now missing, was detachable so that it could be refilled easily.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Container in the form of a Bes-image
  • Period: Late Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 27
  • Date: 525–404 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 9.2 × W. 4.4 × D. 3.9 cm (3 5/8 × 1 3/4 × 1 9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.281.94
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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360–343 BCE
Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet, Faience
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664–525 BCE
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