Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Cat Coffin

664–332 B.C.E.

1 of 4

Caption

Cat Coffin, 664–332 B.C.E.. Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus), 21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1942E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Cat Coffin

Date

664–332 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 30

Period

Late Period

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus)

Classification

Remains, Animal

Dimensions

21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.1942E

Frequent Art Questions

  • What role did cats play in ancient Egypt?

    Both domesticated and wild cats lived amongst the ancient Egyptians. Cats were associated with good night vision and with catching mice and snakes, traits that led to association with certain gods.
    Cats were also associated with lions, and both animals were identified for their motherly instincts. For instance, the protective mother goddess Bastet was often depicted as a cat or with the head of a cat.
    There were several lion-headed or lioness goddesses as well, including Wadjet, Mut, Shesemtet, Pakhet, and Tefnut.
    Because of cats' mythological associations, cat fur, feces, and fat was used in medicine or in magic, while small cats were also used as symbols of fertility and sexuality. They had a lot of roles and associations in Ancient Egypt!

  • Were the cats sacrificed? Or did they just die?

    Both. Most cats that were mummified to be offered to Bastet and other feline deities were sacrificed for the occasion. Some cats, especially family pets, would have been mummified after they died of some other cause.

  • Were the cats dead prior to mummification or sacrificed for entrance into the afterlife?

    The simple answer is, it depends. Many cats and other animals were sacrificed in order to send their souls to the afterlife. This likely represents a larger proportion of cat mummies.
    There is also evidence that pet cats were mummified after having died of natural causes.
    Thanks!

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