Inspired by a Saqqara original, Type LP5
Egypt, Late Period to early Ptolemaic era, c. 5th to 4th century BC
Details
Bring the fierce protection and joyful spirit of ancient Egypt into your hands with this striking ceramic vessel in the form of the household god Bes.
This museum quality replica is inspired by a remarkable group of anthropomorphic ceramic vessels discovered at Saqqara, the vast burial ground of ancient Memphis. These expressive jars take the form of Bes, one of the most beloved and instantly recognisable figures in Egyptian religion.
The original examples date to the Late Period of Egypt, around the 5th to 4th century BC, a time when long established Egyptian traditions flourished alongside new Mediterranean influences entering the Nile Valley. Vessels of this type have been excavated from funerary, domestic and ritual contexts, suggesting they played an important role in both everyday life and sacred practice.
Bes vessels are far more than decorative pottery. They are three dimensional embodiments of a protective household god, bringing divine presence directly into the home. Their bold, frontal faces were believed to confront danger head on, warding off harmful spirits and misfortune.
Archaeological evidence suggests these vessels once held liquids and offerings. Some may have contained beer, wine or ritual mixtures used in ceremonies connected with protection, healing, fertility and rebirth. Others were placed in burials, where Bes continued his role as guardian of the vulnerable on their journey into the afterlife.
Who Was Bes
Unlike the great state gods worshipped in monumental temples, Bes belonged to the home. He was the protector of women, children and families, a guardian of childbirth, a bringer of good fortune and a fierce defender against evil.
He is almost always shown facing forward, a rare feature in Egyptian art. His image is direct and unapologetic. He was also associated with music, dancing and celebration, believed to drive away fear and sadness through rhythm, noise and joy.
Images of Bes appear on amulets, cosmetic containers, birth bricks, furniture, feeding vessels and ritual tools. To own his image was to invite his protection into daily life.
A vessel like this once carried sacred liquids and ritual offerings. Today it stands as a powerful reminder of the deeply personal relationship ancient Egyptians had with their gods.
Materials
Terracotta
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 200 mm
Production
As with all our Museum Quality Replicas, this vessel has been handcrafted in Northumberland using traditional ceramic techniques inspired by ancient practice.
Individually formed from natural clay
Hand finished using traditional tools
Fired to achieve an authentic surface character
Subtle variations in tone and texture occur naturally during firing, ensuring that each piece is unique
Health and Safety
This is a Museum Quality Replica made using the tools and techniques that ancient potters would have used during this era.
As this is an unglazed vessel with a porous surface, it will absorb some of the flavours during use. However, this also means that it does not meet modern Health and Safety standards, and therefore we do not advise that it be used for storing or serving food.
When ancient cooks used ceramic vessels, they relied on applying sufficient heat to the pot and its contents to ensure that bacteria were destroyed. Heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have killed most disease causing bacteria, and temperatures of 100°C would do even more.
Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days. Longer for international orders.
If your order contains both items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.
Shipping
All items are sent using a second class postal service.
If you wish to have an item sent first class, please contact us for a quote.
Each piece is carefully packaged to ensure it reaches you safely.
Invite the protection of Bes into your collection and bring a fragment of ancient Egypt back to life. Order today.
