A small Ancient Egyptian bright blue glazed faience amulet of the naked dwarf god Pataichos, standing on an integral base, with piercing through the neck for suspension; modelled on both sides. Supplied with acrylic display stand.
 
Egyptian Ptolemaic period: Circa 4th-1st century B.C.
 
Condition: Complete and intact; light encrustations.
Height 21 mms (0.8 ins).
 
Provenance: Ex London gallery; previously in a 1930's. Home counties UK collection of a lady.
 
For similar examples see Carol Andrews: page 39: 'Amulets of Ancient Egypt'.
 
Pataikos, the Greek translation of Ptah-Sokar, was considered a manifestation of Ptah, the creator god. In his depiction as a naked dwarf, he was used as a protective amulet.
 
See our blog post on amulets