Code: 2631
Description: An amuletic head of Bes, a protector god of households, mothers and children, in pale blue faience, the head modelled on one side showing an expressive face and with a flat back. The amulet pierced horizontally at the top of the head for attachment. The plumed headdress lost being broken at the suspension hole and wear to the nose exposing the core, but a well-modelled example of considerable charm.
Size: 40 mm/1.6 ins. high
Culture: Egyptian
Date: Late Dynastic Period, c. 600 B.C.
Provenance: From the collection of Julian Bird (1959-2014) and acquired at Timeline Auctions Coins &Antiquities sale in March 2013, Lot 577.
Background: Julian Bird was a passionate collector of Egyptian antiquities, who built up a fine and extensive collection from the 1970s onwards. He sourced his items mainly from the UK market, from specialist dealers, fairs, markets and auctioneers. He was a model collector, carefully documenting his collection, and his notes on this particular item will be supplied to the buyer.
Photographed in both artificial and natural light.
