Bell in the form of Bes

Art Historical Context

This charming bell in the form of Bes dates to Egypt’s Ptolemaic Period (332–30 B.C.), when the land was ruled by descendants of Alexander the Great yet traditional Egyptian beliefs remained vibrant. Crafted from cupreous metal, the small object—barely taller than a modern keychain—captures the popular household god Bes, a dwarf deity with a lion-like face who protected families, especially mothers and children, from harm. Such bells likely served both practical and protective roles, their cheerful sound thought to frighten away evil spirits. Bes imagery flourished during this era as Egyptians continued to honor ancient deities alongside new cultural influences. The compact size and durable metal suggest the piece may have been used in a home shrine or carried as a personal talisman. Today it resides in the Metropolitan Museum’s Egyptian Art department, a gift that preserves a glimpse of everyday devotion from the final centuries of pharaonic civilization. Visitors can imagine the gentle tinkling sound this bell once made, linking us directly to the protective hopes of families who lived more than two thousand years ago.