Egyptian - Head of Pataikos with Scarab - Walters 481612 - Left

This dwarf-like, protective deity was very popular in ancient Egypt; amulets in the shape of this god were particularly popular from the Third Intermediate period. The Greek name Pataikos comes from a passage in the writings of Herodotus (ca. 5th century BC), who used this term to describe a Phoenician protective dwarf-like image. The Egyptian Pataikos is a special manifestation of the creator god Ptah and the dwarf-like appearance symbolizes his magical power.
This head belongs to an unusual variant of Pataikos, representing him with a snake in his mouth which winds its way up to his ears. The god has a scarab on his head. The fragment once belonged to a group of figures standing back to back.