Egyptian faience Amulet representing Isis Lactans from the 7th-1st century B.C. Isis is seated on a low-backed, richly ornamented throne. The goddess holds little Horus on her knees, whom she is breastfeeding. She wears a finely braided wig surmounted by a small throne, Isis’s primary attribute. Complete and in good condition even if Horus’ head and the left hand of the goddess are lost.
This statuette belongs to a significant series of figurines with similar characteristics originating from the Phoenician and Punic worlds. Generally dated to the 7th–6th centuries B.C., they may be standing or seated, holding a child or various attributes (musical instruments, a fan, ears of grain, etc.) or simply holding their breast or belly: in the latter case, they are often called dea gravida
Levantine terracotta Group of two feminine statuettes from the 7th-6th century B.C. Complete and in good condition. Big chips on the basis. Concretion and few polychromy remains (brown-red).
This group belongs to a significant series of figurines with similar characteristics originating from the Phoenician and Punic worlds. Generally dated to the 7th–6th centuries B.C., they may be standing or seated, carrying a child or various attributes (musical instruments, a fan, ears of grain, brooches, etc.) or simply holding their breast or belly: in the latter case, they are often called dea gravida.
The bracelet, which, given its size, was most likely worn on the arm rather than the wrist, is made of a long, thick twisted bronze wire. Its ends, which are very close together, are flat and decorated with a series of incised vertical lines.
As usual, Bes sports a grimacing, grotesque expression, which makes him appear almost hilariously amused and thus portrays him as a positive and benevolent figure: his face is flattened and viewed from the front, with a wrinkled forehead crossed by thick eyebrows, wide-open eyes, a broad, flattened nose, ears reminiscent of a feline’s, and a beard ending in large, spiraling curls.
This mask, delineated by three fringes of white, red and black beads, clearly highlights the anatomical details connected with the senses: the ears, the eyes with the black irises, the nose and the mouth made of red beads.