#ptaichos

Egyptian amulet of Ptaichos (faience, Ptolemaic period c. 3rd to 2nd century BC)

The bandy-legged dwarf Ptaichos (or Pataikos) was a phylactic deity, worshipped in ancient Egypt from the time of the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2160 BCE) onwards.

Ptaichos was closely associated with the young Horus, the demon god Aha and Aha’s later form Bes (literally 'the guardian') in both form and function. Despite their diminutive statures, Ptaichos and related deities are frequently depicted as subjugators of violent natural forces — most notably, Ptaichos is often shown stepping upon and grasping crocodiles, snakes or scorpions.

It has also been suggested that Ptaichos is a manifestation or son of Ptah, a god of craftsmen. Writings by the Greek historian Herodotus state that Ptah was depicted in the form of a dwarf, and his name Pataikos literally means 'little Ptah'. Dwarves often worked in workshops as craftsmen, as attested in tomb scenes from Egypt.

Egyptian Faience Amulet of Ptaikos, 3rd-2nd century BC

The dwarf god Ptaikos (aka Pataikos, Patek or Ptaichos) was an incarnation of Ptah-Seker. Ptaikos was very popular from the New Kingdom onward, providing protection from creatures, such as snakes and crocodiles.  His counterpart was Bes, who was also portrayed as a dwarf god.

Here Ptaikos is depicted naked with a small body on bowed legs and a large head. He advertises his powers over evil by adopting a “master of animals” pose as he stands with each foot planted on the snout of a crocodile, whose tails wrap around to the back of the amulet. Ptaikos’ arms are bent at the elbows and he holds a snake in each hand. A skullcap covers his head and is surmounted by a scarab. A falcon is perched on each shoulder.