Satirical papyrus: two cats serving a mouse

This scene—featuring two cats and a mouse—likely portrays a lighthearted or symbolic interaction, showcasing how the Egyptians sometimes used humor or animal symbolism to comment on human life.

A lady mouse is shown sitting elegantly, enjoying a cup of wine or drink, which is offered to her by one of the cats standing nearby. Another cat is depicted arranging her hair, highlighting their role as attendants to the mouse.

This setup is a humorous commentary on the social order, where the natural roles of animals are flipped. Traditionally, cats were seen as predators of mice, but in this satirical image, the cats are placed in the subservient position, serving the lady mouse.

Cats were considered sacred animals in ancient Egypt, linked to the goddess Bastet, and their playful or cunning portrayal in the art could have a deeper meaning related to Egyptian society and beliefs about the natural world.

The papyrus was likely intended for entertainment or as a form of social commentary, allowing the audience to reflect on the absurdity of certain societal structures by depicting them in an exaggerated, humorous light.

This playful reversal reflects a critique or a mockery of social hierarchies, perhaps poking fun at the rigid class system in Egypt at the time. The cats, mice, foxes, and cows each represent different social roles or hierarchies, and this scene serves as a satirical commentary on power dynamics.

The papyrus is part of a larger collection of satirical works from Egypt, which often used humor and irony to comment on contemporary issues, including the roles of animals, gods, and people. In this case, the playful reversal of roles—where the cats, usually the predators, act as servants to the mouse—may have been a way of poking fun at the absurdity of established social norms or perhaps emphasizing the unpredictability of fate.

New Kingdom, 20th Dynasty, reign of Ramesses IX, ca. 1129-1111 BC.
From Tuna el-Gebel.
Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 31199