Bes Mug

3D ModelNoAI

Ceramic vessel; Faiyum Oasis [?], Egypt; Greco-Roman period, ca. 3rd cent. BCE–3rd cent. CE

This mug is shaped in the form of the head of Bes. Bes is a popular Egyptian guardian demon who protected women during their pregnancy and labor. He also kept new-born children safe during their infancy, among others. The purpose of mugs like this has thus far remained a mystery.

An international team of experts, led by Dr. Davide Tanasi (University of South Florida), analysed residue from the mug and published their findings of scientific examinations in Nature: Scientific Reports. The study demonstrates that the mug was used to drink a magic potion in a ritual dedicated to Bes, perhaps in the Bes Chambers at Saqqara. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78721-8

Tampa Museum of Art, Gift of David S. Hendrick III, 1984.032

3D model produce in structured light 3D scanning via an Artec Eva.