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The Egyptian cat was considered a sacred animal and was identified with the deity Bast (Bastet), the goddess of pleasure. Hundreds of figures were set up as votive offerings in her honor. Bastet is traditionally depicted as a cat-headed woman holding a sistrum (musical rattle) in one hand and a basket in the other. In the New Kingdom, the male cat was regarded as an incarnation of the Sun God and the female cat was equated with the solar eye. Feline figures may display a scarab, the symbol of the rising sun, engraved on the head or breast thus showing their solar significance. Hundreds of figures were set up as votive offerings in the temple of Bastet at Bubastis in order that the donor might share in the Goddess's grace. Actual mummies of cats were buried by the thousands in special cemeteries in the area. Cats protected the temples from snakes. The ancient Egyptians held cats in the highest esteem and the penalties for injuring or killing a cat were very severe.Made from Bonded stone, measures 7"H, in bronze finish.

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Related Categories: Gods & Goddesses , Egyptian , Female