GOD BES – SOME ICONOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

This article considers the statuettes of the demonical dwarf Bes, chronologically
mainly associated with the New Kingdom and Hellenistic period, but also with
the Roman, whose formal features, and above all representational elements,
testify to the magical nature of his character. Bes as a guardian deities was
depicted on various objects, whose function was to protect humans from
predators (especially crocodiles) and from the biting of snakes, scorpions and
the like. Among other roles dwarf Bes, also protecting women in the course of
childbirth.
The stylistic analogies on the one hand to Egyptian Pharaonic art, and on the
other to Classical features of Greek origin, are another interesting aspect of this
type of statuette. Bes adopt new iconographic features, which can be identified
with evolving religious needs.
The author demonstrates that the iconography of Bes, like that of other deities
shown in terracotta and another artefacts, is immensely rich, and is composed
of a huge selection of diverse symbolic values.