Egyptian Faience Amulet of Ptah-Pataikos

The Thutmoside period, 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom of Egypt, c. 1504-1425 BC A large and extremely rare ancient Egyptian faience amulet representing the protective dwarf deity Ptah-Pataikos. The figure is incomplete, with the lower portion of the legs lost in antiquity, yet it remains a remarkably detailed and expressive example of this powerful apotropaic form. The deity is shown in his characteristic squatting posture, with legs bent outward and fists clenched at either side of his protruding stomach. His disproportionately large head displays exaggerated features typical of Pataikos imagery: a broad nose, small lips, and almond-shaped eyes beneath a pronounced brow. The figure wears a cropped hairstyle surmounted by a scarab, while small falcons—representing the god Horus—perch on each shoulder. Standing at his sides are the protective goddesses Isis and Nephthys, reinforcing the amulet’s protective function. The dorsal pillar is incised with the winged form of Isis wearing a Hathoric crown composed of a sun disk flanked by tall horns. Across the abdomen runs a curved band that may represent snakes—creatures Pataikos is frequently depicted grasping or subduing in related amulets, symbolizing his power over dangerous animals. A ribbed suspension loop at the back of the neck allowed the amulet to be worn or attached as a protective charm. The name “Pataikos” derives from the writings of Herodotus (5th century BC), who used the term to describe small protective dwarf figures known among the Phoenicians. In Egyptian belief, Pataikos was considered a manifestation or child-form of the creator god Ptah, patron of craftsmen. Depictions of dwarfs appear frequently in Old Kingdom scenes of precious metal workshops, reflecting their respected role in specialized craft production. From the New Kingdom onward, Pataikos amulets became widely popular as protective charms, particularly for children. Often shown restraining snakes or other dangerous creatures, the deity was believed to guard against harmful animals such as serpents and crocodiles. Powerful in symbolism and striking in design, this rare faience amulet represents both the artistic sophistication and the deeply protective spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt. Good condition. Loss to legs below knees. Chips and abrasions, with fading to pigment, light pitting in scattered areas, and softening to some finer details, otherwise in great condition. Size approx. 5,3cm x 3,5cm x 2,3cm. Provenance: From the collection of Harald Egon Stridh (b. 1935), Stockholm. Acquired abroad and brought to Sweden in the 1960s. For a similar examples see: Amulet in the shape of Pataikos, Muzeum Archeologiczne w Krakowie (https://ma.krakow.pl/en/tour/amulet-in-the-shape-of-pataikos/) Amulet of the God Pataikos, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number: 40.2.10 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/548397) Amulet of Pataikos on Crocodiles, The Walters Art Museum, Accession Number: 48.1602 (https://art.thewalters.org/object/48.1602/) References and further reading: Amulets of Ancient Egypt, Carol Andrews, University of Texas Press, 1994, pp. 38-39 Talismans & amulets, Felicitas H. Nelson, New York: Sterling, 2008. Ancient Egyptian Amulets, Isabel Stünkel, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2019. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egam/hd_egam.htm) Handbook of Egyptian mythology, Geraldine Pinch, Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2002, p. 127. Egypt in the New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1070 B.C.), Catharine H. Roehrig, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2000. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/nking/hd_nking.htm)