Ancient Egyptian Amulet of God Pataikos – 715–332 BC

This Ancient Egyptian Amulet, measuring 31 mm in height, is a faience amulet dating to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt, 715–332 BC. It depicts the protective dwarf god Pataikos, a popular household deity associated with protection, healing, and regeneration. Finely moulded in glazed faience, the amulet preserves its characteristic form and retains well-preserved traces of its original glaze. Microscopic images have been included to demonstrate the integrity of the original faience core and remaining pigmentation.

The piece is in excellent condition, showing only minor age-related wear consistent with its antiquity. Its ownership history has been documented from its acquisition in Cairo in 1977 onwards.

Features

• Culture: Ancient Egyptian
• Period: Late Period, 715–332 BC
• Material: Faience
• Type: Amulet of the God Pataikos
• Height: 31 mm
• Width: 17 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with original glaze and pigmentation preserved
• Provenance: Ownership is fully documented from its acquisition from a Cairo antiquities dealer in 1977 onwards
• Certificate: Copy of the original 1977 invoice included; additional provenance documentation available.

Cultural and Functional Context

Pataikos was a protective dwarf deity closely associated with the creator god Ptah and was widely revered as a guardian against illness, dangerous animals, and malevolent forces. Faience amulets depicting Pataikos were commonly worn as personal talismans and were also placed in burials to provide magical protection in the afterlife. During the Late Period, such amulets became especially popular, reflecting the enduring importance of personal devotional objects in Ancient Egyptian religious practice.

This artifact has a fully documented ownership history from 1977 onwards and has been legally acquired, making it suitable for collectors and museums specializing in Ancient Egyptian antiquities.