Amulet of Pataikos on Crocodiles

Description 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 amulet displays a very special variant of Pataikos representations which links this god to images of the juvenile god Horus standing on crocodiles. Here, Pataikos also stands on two antithetically arranged crocodiles. He has snakes in his hands and a scarab on top of his head. On each of his shoulders was once a falcon, both of which are now broken off. The goddesses Isis and Nephthys are standing at his sides, and at his back another representation of Isis protects the Pataikos figure with her wings. In this special arrangement the magical power of Pataikos is linked to the Horus myth.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
7/23/1959	Treatment	cleaned
3/24/1997	Examination	examined for condition
4/30/2003	Treatment	cleaned
10/01/2006	Treatment	cleaned

Exhibitions

• Faience: The Colors of the Heavens. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2003-2004.
• Daily Magic in Ancient Egypt. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2006-2007.

Provenance Dikran Kelekian, Paris and New York; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1929, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1929