An Egyptian Faience Amulet of Pataek, Ptolemaic Period, 304-30 B.C.

The bandy-legged dwarf god Pataek or Pataikos was an Egyptian protective deity often created in amulet form for his prophylactic powers. He is commonly depicted conquering harmful forces of natures, such as in the present example, where he is seen strangling a serpent in each hand.

The Greek historian Herodotus suggested that Pataek is either an iteration or the son of Ptah, the god of craftsmen. Indeed, dwarves were often depicted working in the workshops of Egyptian artisans, as attested to in tomb scenes.