Towards the classical Bes amulets : 18th Dynasty naturalisic-style plaque amulets of Bes

During the New Kingdom, depictions of dwarves appeared frequently among plaque amulets. By the middle of the 18th Dynasty, the figures of Pataikos and Bes had clearly been distinguished from each another, and naturalistic designs had replaced the ornamental forms also in the depictions of the god Bes (see my previous article on these earlier Bes amulets in the volume “Under the Spell of Bes”). These amulets were particularly numerous and varied during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten, especially in Malkata and Amarna. Two approaches can essentially be observed among the Bes amulets of the time: the frontal stance characteristic of earlier reliefs representing various Bes-like protective deities and the profile stance, which was introduced as an innovation in his depictions, though it was characteristic of the anthropomorph figures in general. In the latter case, the dynamic nature of the dance justified the change, which was often associated with playing an instrument, typically a tambourine. This article presents the typological variety of these amulet shapes, organises them, and discusses their occurrence, origin, and method of use.