Blue faience figure of a bow legged brachycephalic dwarf, Pataikos (Ptah-Seker). Pataikos is depicted with a close fitting cap surmounted by atef-crown, picked out in black, and broad collar. His hands hold snakes and his feet rest on two crocodiles forming the base of the figurines. A suspension loop is behind his neck.

Bibliography:  For more information, see:

Luiselli, M. M. 2016. 'Living with the Gods: Religion and Daily Life in Ancient Egypt', in S. Boonstra (ed.), Objects Come to Life Virtual Exhibition, Birmingham Egyptology

Notes:  Pataikos was very similar with Bes in his outer appearance, although he lacked the prominent tongue and large eyes, and was sometimes represented wearing an atef-crown, like in the present example. Whilst Pataikos amulets appear already during the Old Kingdom, it is only from the New Kingdom onwards that the production increases. Originally associated with Ptah-Sokar, Pataikos was also considered a protective diety, although he appears to be less widespread than Bes, or in the first millennium BCE, Harpocrates. His original association with Ptah-Sokar transposes him into the funerary sphere, rather than in daily life.

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