Item: Egyptian Bes vase

Place of origin: Possibly Kafr-Tarkhan, Egypt

Date of origin: Dynasty XXII (945-715 BC)

Accession number: 1942

Description: A small, slightly globular-shaped jar with a flared neck and a slightly pointed base. The lip has a prominent ridge. The jar is dented on one side, and in this hollow extra pieces of clay were used to fashion two eyes and, a bit lower down, a nose or mouth. On both sides, opposite the eyes, ears were attached. It is possible that this is an imitation of Bes, an Egyptian household god who protected women and children and that the vessel was used for the storage of milk for babies.