Statuette of a Seated Cat

This figure probably represents Bastet, the goddess most often depicted as a cat. Feline images of her began in Dynasty XXII (circa 945–718 B.C.) and became extremely numerous in the Late Period. Like this figure, many of the finer bronze cats have a scarab on the head, a wadjet-eye on the chest, and pierced ears probably intended for loops of gold.

• Medium: Bronze
• Geographical Location: Egypt
• Dates: ca. 664-342 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: XXVI Dynasty-XXX Dynasty
• Period: Late Period
• Dimensions: Height: 5 11/16 in. (14.5 cm)
• Collection: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
• Museum Location: Brooklyn Museum, BMA, EXHIBITION-3, ECAMEA-3G81
• Accession Number: 78.243
• Image: "West Wing gallery 8 installation", CUR.78.243_wwg8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, Nov 30, 2005

Catalogue Description:
One bronze figurine of a cat. A wadjet eye amulet is incised on the neck and a sacred beetle in raised relief on forehead; both ears pierced; hollow cast. Condition: Gash down right side from face to back, continuing to behind crown of head, belly and rear of front paws incrusted.