Photo of collection object Protective God — Protective God, ca. 945-718 B.C.E.. Faience, 5 15/16 x 2 1/2 x 15/16 in. (15.1 x 6.4 x 2.4 cm). Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 58.171. Creative Commons-BY.

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Protective God

ca. 945-718 B.C.E.

Maker Unknown

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The Egyptians had a special class of deities, including Bes, Aha, and Hayet, that protected mothers and very young children. This piece shows one of these deities nursing an infant god. In antiquity metal rings were inserted into the holes at the top of the headdress and through the pierced ears. When shaken like a rattle, the piece produced a rustling sound intended to soothe a crying baby.

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Maker Unknown
Classification: Recreation, Toys, Games
Formatted Medium: Faience
Medium: faience
Locations: Place made: Egypt
Dynasty: Dynasty 22
Period: Third Intermediate Period
Dimensions: 5 15/16 x 2 1/2 x 15/16 in. (15.1 x 6.4 x 2.4 cm)
Departments: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Accession Number: 58.171
Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Exhibitions: Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY
Museum Location: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
Dominant Colors

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