The Egyptians wore amulets as decorative jewellery, but they also served a practical purpose, being thought to bestow power and protection upon the wearer. Many of the amulets have been found inside the wrappings of mummies, as they were used to prepare the deceased for the afterlife. Amulets of Bes were worn on a regular basis and were common to young women. In Egyptian mythology and culture Bes acted as a protector of the household, of women in labour and small children. He was a marriage god and a deity that overlooked women’s adornment habits. Thus, he was often carved on mirrors and toiletries. In addition, he was a symbol of fecundity and a protector of sleep, ensuring sweet dreams. The frequent occurrence of Bes’ images throughout the later Dynastic Period is testament to his popularity. Bes continued to be a popularly depicted protective deity well into the Graeco-Roman period.
To discover more about this interesting Ancient Egyptian deity, please visit our relevant post: Bes: Guardian of Women, Children and Sleep.