Ibosim is one of Ibiza’s oldest names. Translated from Punic language this word means “Island of Bes”.

The midget guardian God, who was also worshipped in Egypt, was brought to Ibiza about 1500 BC through Punic influence. His exact origin is unknown to us and many experts think, he originally came (descended) from the Pygmies, because his appearance is very different from Mediterranean and Egyptian Gods.

He wasn’t especially a beauty. A midget person with long arms, short legs, snub nosed face, bushy beard and big eyebrows. Most of the time he is shown with hanging tongue, horns and hoofs. In some pictures you can also see him with a giant penis.

Bes brought luck into the houses of all social levels and he was the protector of the marriage and family. He took care of the women’s needs and their jewellery. He was their biggest friend and helped them through birth giving. Very often you find illustrations of him dancing around the young mother with drums, tambourines and waving knifes. The noise, the horrible laughing and his ugly face where supposed to scare off bad spirits and protect the newly born baby.