A good-sized Ancient Egyptian pale turquoise glazed faience janiform amulet of the naked dwarf god Pataikos. He stands on an integral base. Similarly modelled on the reverse side. The figure has no suspension loop, which suggests the purpose to be votive rather than amuletic. Such unpierced amulets were placed in domestic shrines or possible votive temple offerings.
Supplied with (but not fixed to) a modern Perspex display stand.
 
Ptolemaic period: Circa 4th-1st century BC.
 
Condition: Complete and intact: Very Fine, with a few light encrustations.
Height 4.9 cms (1.9 ins).
 
Provenance: From a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950's.
 
For similar examples see Carol Andrews, 'Amulets of Ancient Egypt' (London 1994, page 39, fig 36)
 
Pataikos (or Ptaikos), the Greek translation of Ptah-Sokar, was considered a manifestation of Ptah, the creator god. He was depicted as a naked dwarf and was a protective amulet or figure.