Pateco God Amulet; Egypt, Late Period, 664–332 B.C.

Amulet of the god Pateco (Ptah-Pataikos). Egypt, Late Period, 664–332 B.C.
Green-hued Egyptian faience.
Provenance: Family bequest of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Archaeological collection assembled beginning in the 1950s by successive generations of the family through purchases at European galleries and auction houses.
Measurements: 3.5 cm high.

Egyptian faience amulet depicting the god Pateco (Ptah-Pataikos), a protective deity represented in the form of a male figure of dwarf-like proportions. He is depicted naked, standing, with an oversized head, short legs, and arms bent close to his body. He has schematic facial features and retains traces of a greenish glaze.

Pateco was an apotropaic deity associated with protection against disease, danger, and evil forces. Linked to the god Ptah, his cult became particularly widespread during the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period. Depictions of him in the form of small faience amulets, intended to be worn as objects of personal protection, are a characteristic expression of the religious beliefs and magical practices of ancient Egypt.