CIRCULAR PLAQUE AMULET WITH BES HEAD AND WEDJAT EYE

Mould-made, light green-blue glazed amulet that represents on one side the stylised head of the god Bes, on the other the left eye of Horus, the wedjat eye. The Eye of Horus was injured during his fight with Seth but was restored by divine help and became healthy and sound again. Therefore, the wedjat eye was associated with regeneration, healing, and rebirth. Bes is traditionally represented from the front with a bearded face and a protruded tongue, wearing a plumed headdress. Bes was one of the most important apotropaic gods in ancient Egypt. He protected the households and the families, particularly women and children. His power was believed to ensure protection against evil intentions and diseases. This amulet is a good example of the syncretism of the two gods, Bes and Horus, in the Late Period. The amulet is pierced widthwise and was worn and suspended through the two holes on the jagged rim, opposite each other. It was thought to guard its wearer by the healing and protecting power of the two gods. The amulet, made of Egyptian faience paste, was pressed from a mould.