Museum volunteer Martha
Landis and her sister, Julia Landis Casa, graciously donated these two figures, acquired by their
parents in Cairo in 1931.
The two figures represent two of the most important
and interesting gods of the ancient Egyptian pantheon, Horus
and Bes.
The figure 2004.02.0001 depicts Horus, a falcon-god,
representing divine kingship. The pharoah was thought to be the
incarnation of Horus on Earth.
The second figure represents Bes, 2004.02.0002,
one of Egypt's fertility gods, protector of expectant mothers
and of the household. Bes was also the god of happiness. One
of the most interesting aspects of Bes is that he is typically
depicted in frontal view, whereas all other Egyptian deities
are usually shown from the side.
Both these pieces were probably mass produced
during the Greco-Roman period (332 - 30 BCE), and sold as amulets
or inexpensive jewelry pieces.
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