This ancient Egyptian magical papyrus contains spells against snakes and scorpions for the protection of women and children at night. Seen here are Bes-Pantheos as polymorphic peity and Atum as serpent deity. The firebrands surrounding Bes-Pantheos represent destructive forces directed at those approaching.
7th-6th century B.C.E., Egypt
Dimensions of the entire papyrus: 12.5 × 235.5 cm).
Location: Brooklyn Museum, 47.218.156a-d
![Scene from a Magical Papyrus, 664-525 B.C.E. Papyrus, ink. Dimensions: 4 15/16 × 92 11/16 in. (12.5 × 235.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, 47.218.156a-d.Bequest of Theodora Wilbour from the collection of her father, Charles Edwin Wilbour. Photo: Brooklyn Museum.](https://www.antikemagie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Brooklyn-Museum_47.218.156a-d_Papyrus-Bes_Label-Large.jpg)