24. Bes & Taurt
The deities Bes and Taurt often work together in ancient Egyptian mythology and both work as protectors of birth. The simulacra of Bes and Taurt are side by side in the Valley of the Kings, working together in the land of the deceased on behalf of rebirth. In artistic representations both deities hold an early version of the ankh that specifically signifies protection.
Interestingly the cult worship of Taurt originated in Thebes. The deity Taurt has the hind legs of a lion and the tail of a crocodile, shown pregnant, with the breasts of a woman.
The attributes of Bes can be witnessed today in the traditional shows put on by Nubian dancers. These modern dancers wear the same feathered headdress, a short grass skirt, and make repetitive chants and calls, all attributes given to Bes. Bes is seen in Egyptian art as a male pigmy whose origins are in equatorial Africa. I personally associate him with a jester whose comical notions brought delight to the royal court. The joy that Bes provides through the contribution of music and dance is said to possess rejuvenation and rebirth qualities. When holding the harp, Bes is a patron of music and dance, but in his role as protector of mother and child he carries two knives, one in each hand. As keeper of the birthing chamber’s threshold, he is ready to destroy any enemies that should dare to enter the forbidden chamber.
