Amulet of the head of Bess; Egypt, Roman period, 30 B.C- II A.D.

Amulet of the head of Bes; Egypt, Roman period, 30 BC- II AD.
Blue faience.
Measurements: 4 x 3 x 0,5 cm.
Egyptian plate in blue faience, decorated in relief, with the representation of the god Bes. It is an ancient Egyptian deity worshiped as protector of the home and, more especially, of mothers, children and childbirth. He was later considered the protector of all that was good and the enemy of all that was evil. Although traditionally Bes was considered a god from Nubia and incorporated into the Egyptian cult in the Middle Empire, recent studies indicate that he was worshiped in Egypt since the Ancient Empire, and references to his figure can be traced even in the predynastic cultures of the Nile Valley. Art depicts him as a dwarf genie, bearded and with long hair, often showing his tongue. He is usually nude or dressed in a lion skin, and may be depicted with a large erect phallus, due to his association with love and sexual pleasure.