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.
image from here, text adapted from here












