Bidspirit auction | Egyptian Faience Bead Necklace String

Egyptian Faience Bead Necklace String with Bes Amulet - Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Restrung using mainly annular and tubular beads, with four larger oblate beads; central feature a large Bes pendant, the god standing on a plinth and wearing an elaborate headdress. 18 grams, 56 cm (22 in.). From the vendor's grandfather's collection, formed in the 1950s; thence by family descent circa 1974. Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to provide protection from snakes.