Historical talisman traditions
Bes
The Pavitts describe images of Bes as popular talismans and connect the god with laughter, merry-making, and good luck. His lively protective character contrasts with the more solemn funerary emblems around him. They also call him a protector of children and patron of beauty, while recounting differing theories about his origin and identity. Their suggestion that he anticipates the modern Billiken is an antiquarian comparison.
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In the sources
Principal account
ReportedThe Pavitts describe images of Bes as popular talismans and connect the god with laughter, merry-making, and good luck. His lively protective character contrasts with the more solemn funerary emblems around him.
Further detail
ReportedThey also call him a protector of children and patron of beauty, while recounting differing theories about his origin and identity. Their suggestion that he anticipates the modern Billiken is an antiquarian comparison.
Context & interpretation
The Pavitts’ 1922 compilation gathers symbols and attributed powers from several traditions, sometimes with conjectural origins. Its statements about protection, health, and fortune document talismanic belief rather than demonstrated effects or medical guidance.
Original passages
Source 1
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
the god of Laughter, Merry-making, and Good LuckOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 96
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0096
- Original scan leaf
- 97
- Recorded leaf number
- 97
- Current Reader position
- 89
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
was also the patron of beauty, the protector of children, and was un- doubtedly the progenitor of the modern Billiken. Illustrations Nos. 62, 66,Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 96
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0096
- Original scan leaf
- 97
- Recorded leaf number
- 97
- Current Reader position
- 89
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed