Bes

Bes is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with household protection, childbirth, and the well-being of the family. He is typically depicted as a stocky dwarf with a large head and a protruding tongue. In some images he wears a lion's skin or simple adornments, emphasizing his role as a protective, approachable figure rather than a distant cosmic god.

Bes was especially popular in domestic settings, and his cult was centered in homes rather than major temples. Amulets bearing his image were among the most common protective objects in Egyptian households, and his likeness appeared on furniture, walls, and other household items to ward off evil and invite good fortune. The cult endured from the New Kingdom onward into the Graeco-Roman period, reflecting widespread resonance with his practical protective function.

In ritual and daily life, Bes is understood as a guardian of mothers during childbirth, of children, and of entertainers, aligning with his associations with music, dance, and family life. His humorous and vigorous image was thought to deter malevolent forces while also symbolizing domestic joy and protection.

A female counterpart named Beset is sometimes identified as his consort in later periods, reflecting a broader array of protective imagery connected with Bes. Overall, Bes stands as a distinctive element of ancient Egyptian religion known for its accessible, domestic-centered worship and its enduring symbol of family protection.