A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE
A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

A fine Egyptian Faience Janus Amulet of Pataikos, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

EA2066

7,500 USD
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

A particularly finely worked green glazed composition amulet representing the god Pataikos, the bandy-legged dwarf shown naked with large janus head, both faces with finely drawn brows, defined eyes with pronounced cosmetic lines, and a cheerful smile.  Shown with his hands resting on either side of his protruding midriff, an incised suspension loop at the back, the complete composition attests to the delicacy of the craftsmanship.

Pataikos is a dwarf god with apotropaic functions who was very popular with the people and exclusively used in amulet form.  A protector from danger and possessing affinities with Bes and Horus the child (Harpocrates), he is so-named from a passage in Herodotus in which the Greek writer likens the statue of Hephaistos (Ptah) in Memphis to the figures of dwarves that adorned the prows of Phoenician triremes.

For a related example see Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY accession #90.6.96

Condition:  very well executed with fine and detailed modeling of the body; pale green glaze well preserved; both lower legs and feet missing, loss of one ear, loss of fingers to the right hand, and minor chips to face and body.   Custom mounted on original 19th/early 20th-century bobbin mount. 

Dimensions:  Height without mount:  2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm). Height with mount:  4 1/4  in (10.75 cm)

Provenance:  Late 19th/early 20th century English collection, then by descent.  The amulet remains on the original antique mount.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.  Overseas shipments are sent using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You may also like

Come Visit Our Gallery

Any item from this site may be viewed by appointment at our Washington, DC location

Tuesday - Friday between 11 am - 5 pm.

Phone: 202 342 0518

Get directions