Statue of a cat
This bronze statue of a cat is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian art. The statue, which is likely from the Late Period of Egypt (664-332 BC), depicts a cat in a seated position. The statue is often associated with the goddess Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protector of the childbirth, often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat.
In Egyptian society, cats were revered for their hunting abilities and were symbolic of grace and protection. Cats were often kept as pets by wealthy Egyptians and were even mummified and buried with their owners, reflecting their high status.
The work would have been created as a votive offering or a small devotional object, possibly linked to the worship of Bastet, as many of these statues were created to honor deities or serve as grave goods.
The fine craftsmanship of this bronze statue reflects the ancient Egyptians’ technical skill in metalworking. The cat is typically depicted in a sitting or resting posture, with well-defined features, capturing the dignified and serene nature of the animal.
This piece is a significant example of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and religious symbolism. The cat was an important symbol in ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of home, fertility, music, and protector of the home and family.
Cats were highly revered in Egypt for their role in controlling vermin and their association with divine attributes. The ancient Egyptians also believed cats embodied the grace and independence of the goddess Bastet.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the statue also demonstrates the skill of Egyptian metalworkers. This particular bronze statue would have been created using the lost-wax casting technique, a common method for producing bronze statues in ancient Egypt. The cat’s serene, dignified posture and attention to detail reflect the importance of the animal in Egyptian society.
This statue may have been used as a votive offering or as a companion for the afterlife, as many such figurines were placed in tombs or temples dedicated to Bastet. Cats were also commonly mummified and buried with their owners as part of Egyptian burial practices.
Now in the Ägyptisches Museum. Berlin. Inv.Nr. 2055
