Amulet of dwarf Pateco

The dwarf Pateco or Ptha- Pateco amulet is an Egyptian piece almost 2600 years old. It measures only 1.58 centimetres and is carved from talc stone, also known as soapstone. It appeared in the "tomb 5", a depository of offerings without human remains of the Phoenician- Punic necropolis of Casetes in Villajoyosa.

It is a very popular Egyptian amulet. The Patecos were helpers of the artisan god Ptah. Its main function is to protect and defend its owner from all harm. The dwarf's appearance is rough: he is naked, he has a big belly and his head is shaved. 

The figure holds a snake in each hand symbolizing the Heka, the domain of magic. Pateco is stepping on two crocodiles as protections against dangers, it is the animal of the god Sobek. On his head he carries a sacred scarab, one of the most powerful amulets of Ancient Egypt: it is the god Khepri, it represents the dawn, the one that accompanies souls when they rise as the Sun, on the horizon. On his back there is Isis in profile, with the sun over his head and two protective symbols: a large eye and outstretched wings. The 8 spoke blade at the base is the planet Venus, that is, the great Phoenician goddess Astarte, protector in life and death. Therefore, the craftsman was probably Phoenician. 

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Les Casetes Necropolis
Height.: 15,8 mm; Width.: 98 mm; diam.: 68 mm
Nº inv. Vilamuseu: 003378e