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.
Learn More: Horus and Bes (2004.02)
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