Cat, ca. 1991–1783 B.C.E.; Dynasty 12
Egyptian
Egyptian alabaster (calcite); H. 5 1/2 in.
(11.4 cm)
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift,
1990 (1990.59.1)
Cats were very common in Egypt. Egyptians were very fond of them. Egyptians thought animals were messengers of the gods. They valued cats for protecting their stores of grain from rats and mice and for helping them hunt for birds. Egyptians also honored cats because they represented the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of happiness, love and cats. When a cat died, the family who owned it mourned it. Dead cats were mummified like people and buried in a cemetery in the land of Bastet.
If you would like to learn more about cats in Ancient Egypt, you may visit the following websites:
