Bronze statue of Bes, Egypt, 1000-200 BCE
- Made:
- 1000-200 BCE in Egypt
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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Bronze figurine of the god Bes, Egyptian, 1000BC to 200BCE
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.
Details
- Category:
- Classical & Medieval Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A635009
- Materials:
- bronze (copper, tin alloy), stone and complete
- Measurements:
-
overall: 83 mm x 37 mm x 35 mm, .184 kg
statue: 59 mm x 32 mm x 10 mm,
- type:
- statue
