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Bronze statue of Bes, Egypt, 1000-200 BCE
- Science Museum, London
- Digital Images
- Online
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Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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Credit: Bronze statue of Bes, Egypt, 1000-200 BCE. Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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About this work
Description
The ancient Egyptians believed that while illness and disease were natural events, they also had supernatural causes which were controlled by the gods. Prevention and treatment of illness and disease therefore included prayers at home to statues of gods like this one. Bes is an ancient Egyptian god shown as a diminutive dwarf-like figure with shaggy eyebrows and a beard. He was regarded as a god of entertainment and protector of the family from evil spirits. Bes assisted the goddess Tawert (Theoris or Tawaret) in childbirth and was regarded as a protector of children and childbirth.
maker: Unknown maker
Place made: Egypt