|
The first examples of amulets appeared in
Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed
to possess magical powers that protected the
wearer or bestowed upon the properties they
symbolized, amulets were worn both by the
living as well as the dead. Throughout their
evolution, talismans were crafted from a
variety of materials including precious metals
such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like
jasper and carnelian, as well as other more
affordable glazed compositions such as faience.
The particular powers of an individual amulet
were based upon its specific shape, although
the material and even the color of the charm
could affect its magical abilities. While many of
the amulets created to be worn by the living
could also be worn after death, there also
existed a specific group of charms that were
made specifically to be placed upon the
mummified remains of the deceased. All
together, amulets represent an important
class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our
understanding of their complex religious
beliefs.
The grinning dwarf god Bes was one of the
most popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon,
one whose worship was absorbed almost intact
into Hellenistic culture. He was a popular
subject for amulets, and part of his appeal
appears to have been the perception that he
was more accessible and willing to listen to the
common man than were the intimidating
national gods such as Amun, Osiris, or Horus.
In addition to being a patron god of music and
art, Bes was believed to protect mankind from
all evil and malevolence and thus is a fitting
subject for amulets. He was also held to be a
protector of pregnant women, amusing them
during childbirth so that they forget the pain.
Bes is usually depicted as a dwarf with a face
that is both leonine and human.
- (CK.0237)
|
