Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE C: WORLD ART
Preferred Title:
Stele of Bes
Image View:
Detail, protective vulture wings and solar disk with cobras; Bes is shown with a feather crown and short sword
Creator:
unknown (Egyptian (ancient) sculptor)
Location:
repository: Museo Barracco (Rome, Lazio, Italy) Inv. MB 304
Location Note:
Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 166/A
GPS:
41.896111 12.477222
Date:
1st century BCE (creation)
Cultural Context:
Egyptian (ancient)
Style Period:
Egyptian (ancient); Ptolemaic
Work Type 1:
stele
Work Type 2:
relief (sculpture)
Classification:
Sculpture and Installations
Material:
limestone
Technique:
carving (processes)
Subjects:
deities; Egypt--Religion
Description:
Late Ptolemaic period. Images of the god Bes were widespread in Egypt, because although he was a secondary deity, he was particularly venerated in popular religion. His main function was magical, to frighten away evil spirits. Starting in the days of the Middle Kingdom, his sphere of protection focused mainly on aspects cherished in private religion, such as the home, fertility, marriage and childbirth. Bes is often pictured as a dwarf whose face is distorted by a grimace; sticking out his tongue, for instance. He might be wearing a crown of feathers. He has lion-like ears, tail and mane. He is often shown holding a short sword and the Sa (good-luck knot). (Source: Museo Barracco di Scultura Antica [website]; http://www.museobarr acco.it/en/)
Collection:
Archivision Adjunct Module C: World Art
Identifier:
7A2-I-R-MB-SOB-A03
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Stele of Bes