CHALLENGE ENTRY
This is Bes. His name comes from the word Besa, meaning to protect.
image from Wikipedia
HE is the Ancient Egyptian protector God. Bes is unlike the other deities: he is neither animal, human or a combination of both. Instead, Bes is depicted as dwarf like, with short legs and a large head with large eyes and a protruding tongue. He is often bearded. Bes is normally shown wearing lion or leopard skin and a plumed head headdress. He is often depicted with a large belly and and protruding breasts.
Bes had no formal temple culture like Horus, Isis or Osiris etc but was widely worshipped across Egypt. His image would be found in rooms in houses, particualrly those where children were born or lived. His image was also found in places where women gave birth.
Bes was known as a protective deity. He was believed to ward off evil spirits, demons, and negative forces. His presence was thought to bring luck, good fortune and happiness to households.
Bes was associated with domestic spaces and was revered as a guardian of homes and children. He was believed to protect homes from harm and bring fertility and protection to families. His image was often displayed in rooms or was carved onto beds as a means of protection during sleep.
Bes was often depicted in lively and energetic poses, sometimes holding musical instruments or engaging in dance. He was associated with celebrations, and joyful rituals. His presence was believed to bring happiness and drive away sadness or worries. People often wore Bes masks and performed dances to bring protection.
Bes’s image was frequently incorporated into jewellery, household items, and protective charms. These would offer personal protection and ensure the well-being of individuals.
I apologize for the previous confusion. An “incubation chamber” refers to a space or room where incubation rituals were conducted in ancient Egyptian religious practices.
In some temples, there were incubation chambers/Bes chambers. Sometimes the walls would show images of Bes and a naked goddess (sometimes Isis or Hathor). These Chambers were used for rituals for healing, protection and fertility.
I then chose 6 Egyptian deities who can offer protection:
Horus
Sekhmet
Bast
Bes
Khonsu
Wadjet
I wrote their names on hieroglyphs on one side of wooden discs.
On the other, I drew their image and recorded the protection they can provide.
These could then be carried around when needed. I decided to string them together to make a little hanging decoration that can offer the protection of the deities together.
Blessed be
Alan
