Faience amulet in the form of the dwarf god Pataikos
Unknown Artist
664–30 BCE
Medium
Clay, glazed
Dimensions
H.: 1 15/16 in. (5 cm)
Classification
Gold and Silver
Culture & Period
Egyptian · Late Dynastic–Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.4464
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming faience amulet depicts Pataikos, the dwarf god revered in ancient Egyptian culture as a protector against evil spirits. Crafted from glazed clay during the Late Dynastic to Hellenistic period (664–30 BCE), it stands just 1 15/16 inches (5 cm) tall, perfect for wearing as a personal talisman. Faience, with its vibrant turquoise glaze mimicking precious lapis lazuli, was a favored medium for affordable yet sacred objects, blending artistry with everyday devotion. Pataikos, often shown in a nude, squat form with arms raised in a protective stance, embodies apotropaic magic—warding ...