Polymorphic Statue of Horus the Elder with the Face of Bes in the Metropolitan Museum, January 2026

Title: Polymorphic statuette of Horus the Elder with the face of a Bes-image

Period: Late Period, Saite Period

Date: 664–610 BCE

Medium: Metal - Cupreous alloy
Metal - Gold

Dimensions: 28.8 × 7.5 × 17.2 cm (11 5/16 × 2 15/16 × 6 3/4 in.)

Credit Line: Paris, Musée du Louvre; Départment des Antiquités égyptiennes (E 11554)

Object No.: DE.070

This intricate example of a polymorphic deity features the tail and folded wings of a falcon plus two more sets of outstretched wings. He has four arms and extensive adornment, including a corselet. The deity is nude from the waist down, and his erect phallus references fertility. Protective wedjat eyes and snakes cover his body. Although he has a Bes-image face, this powerful figure bears an inscription to Horus the Elder.

Text from: www.ipernity.com/doc/laurieannie/53270340