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Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes

Creator Name

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Unknown

Cultural Context

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Egyptian

Date

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Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt

About the work

Curationist LogoCurationist Object Description
Ancient Egyptians associated pristine health and beauty with spiritual strength and protection. Therefore artisans crafted cosmetic vessels imbued with spiritual significance. This jar made of Egyptian blue, takes the form of Bes. Bes has been understood as a demon and a god. He ruled over cosmetics, childbirth, humor, and war. Pregnant women were especially protected by Bes.
Cleveland Museum of Art Object Description
Both ancient Egyptian men and women loved cosmetics. Unguents, oils, and perfumes made from aromatic plant resins and gums were obtained at great cost from distant lands. The objects identified with cosmetics were given lavish treatment. The god Bes, patron god of cosmetics, is the subject of this colorful jar.

Work details

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Title

Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes

Creator

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Unknown

Worktype

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Equipment
Vessels

Cultural Context

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Egyptian
Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 26

Material

Egyptian blue

Dimensions

Overall: 9.3 x 6.1 x 4.1 cm (3 11/16 x 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 in.);
height: 0.093metre;
width: 0.061metre;
depth: 0.041metre

Technique

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Language

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Date

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Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt
664–525 BCE

Provenance

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Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 1995-; Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund

Style Period

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Rights

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CC0
CC0

Inscription

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Location

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Egypt

Subjects

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Vessel; Zoomorphic motif; Beauty supplies; Cosmetics; Deity

Topic

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Egypt

Curationist Metadata Contributors

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Amanda Acosta

All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:

Unknown, Cosmetic Jar in the Form of the God Bes, 664–525 BCE. Cleveland Museum of Art. Bes was the Egyptian god of cosmetics, childbirth, humor, and war. CC0.

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