Bes and Taweret: Protectors of the living and the dead

Single session on campus, Saturday 12 December, 10am - 3pm

Overview

The ancient Egyptians worshipped a pantheon of  gods, many had temples created to them and were part of state religious practice.  Others, like Bes and Taweret were worshipped principally in the home. They both take a rather terrifying form, with Bes’ image encompassing leonine and dwarfish features, while Taweret was represented as a hippopotamus, one of the most aggressive creatures on the Nile.  They were often depicted together in ancient Egypt. This course will examine the worship of these deities and the roles they played as protectors of the home, women, children, the living and the dead. Participants will learn to evaluate a variety of evidence from the ancient world, including objects, texts and images, in order to gain an understanding of religious practice in ancient Egypt. No prior knowledge is required but an interest in ancient religions would be beneficial. 

Syllabus

• 10am-12pm: The changing face of Bes and his protective roles 
• 12-1pm: Lunch 
• 1-3pm: Taweret – The Powerful One 

Course lecturer

Joanne Backhouse completed her PhD at the University of Liverpool in 2016.  Her research focuses on the representation of women in ancient Egypt. However, she has a wider interest in the art of ancient Egypt and the evolution of style.  She has lectured on the material culture of ancient Egypt for over ten years, in a variety of institutions and more recently online.  She is also Chair of Wirral Ancient Egypt Society. 

Course fee

• Standard fee: £55