Gods & Goddesses BES << Plaque of Bes surrounded by monkeys (E14358). Dynasty 21-25 (1075-656 B.C.). Although the god Bes has a very strange and slightly scary appearance, he was a protective god who watched over the home, pregnant women, and children. Because it was thought that his grotesque image might scare off evil spirits, it was used to decorate many household items. Unlike other Egyptian gods who are almost always shown in profile, Bes was usually shown frontally and with his tongue sticking out. Amulets of Bes were very popular and sometimes he is shown carrying a knife or the hieroglyph sa, which means "protection."

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