Fragmentary Amulet of Pataikos

ca. 1539–30 B.C.E.

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Brooklyn Museum photograph

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Object Label

The ancient Egyptians regarded short stature as a mark of divinity. They associated the physical characteristics of achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism) with the sun god Re. In Egyptian mythology, Re died in the evening and was reborn every morning as a wise, experienced, yet youthful god. The symbol of the morning sun, the scarab, evoked the silhouette of a large torso with short, curved limbs.

This fragmentary amulet is an example of religion and magic practiced by regular Egyptians. As timeless symbols of rebirth, images of Pataikos and other gods of short stature protected women and children during dangerous times of transition, especially pregnancy and birth, repelling evil and aiding regeneration.

Caption

Fragmentary Amulet of Pataikos, ca. 1539–30 B.C.E.. Faience, 1 15/16 x 1 1/2 in. (5 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Museum Collection, X1182.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, X1182.2_front_PS2.jpg)

Title

Fragmentary Amulet of Pataikos

Date

ca. 1539–30 B.C.E.

Period

New Kingdom or later

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Faience

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

1 15/16 x 1 1/2 in. (5 x 3.8 cm)

Credit Line

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Accession Number

X1182.2

Rights

Creative Commons-BY

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