A large Ancient Egyptian amulet of the dwarf-god Pataikos in turquoise-coloured faience. He is depicted in his typical stance, squatting, with his legs bent out to the sides and fists clenched on either side of his protruding stomach. His disproportionately large head displays exaggerated facial features, including a wide nose, small lips, and almond-shaped eyes under a protruding brow bone. The pupils have been rendered in black pigment. He has a cropped hairstyle and stands on a flat, rectangular base. A ribbed suspension loop has been added to the back of the figure’s neck.
Date: Circa 664-30 BC Period: Late Period – Ptolemaic Period Condition: Fine condition. Earthly encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Facial features are now worn. Some chipping to the edges of the base. Signs of wear, including minor scratches and surface pitting.
The dwarf god Pataikos was believed to have been a protection deity. He was considered the son of the craftsman’s god, Ptah, and his name is presumed to originate from discussions by Herodotus. Pataikos essentially means ‘little Ptah’. Pataikos is associated with violent forces; Egyptian artwork depicts him walking over snakes and crocodiles, or grasping them in his hands, in some instances he has a scarab beetle on the top of his head. His protective and fierce qualities were believed to ward off evils that may result in injuries, illnesses or misfortune. He is also often associated and depicted with the dwarf god Bes, appearing together on amulets.
To discover more about amulets in the Ancient Egyptian world, please visit our relevant post: Amulets in Ancient Egypt.