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Cat (Bastet)

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

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
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES 664–343 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 30
    PERIOD Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 5 1/4 x 1 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (13.3 x 4.1 x 9.5 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 78.243
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. Nasli Heeramaneck
    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.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Cat (Bastet), 664–343 B.C.E. Bronze, 5 1/4 x 1 5/8 x 3 3/4 in. (13.3 x 4.1 x 9.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Nasli Heeramaneck, 78.243. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 78.243_threequarter_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE 78.243_threequarter_PS9.jpg., 2019
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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