Egyptian Bronze Figure of a Cat, Third Intermediate Period, ca. 1069 - 945 BCE

Solid cast in the round using the lost wax method and elegantly proportioned, with naturalistic details, depicted seated with its forepaws together, its tail curving forward around the proper right side, the head with alert, erect ears, almond-shaped ears, and a defined nose.

Background: The domesticated cat is probably associated more with ancient Egypt than any other culture in the world. It is most commonly associated with the goddess Bastet, whose cult center was at Bubastis in the Nile Delta. Bubastis became particularly important when its rulers ascended the Egyptian throne, forming the Twenty-second Dynasty, sometimes known as the 'Libyan Dynasty'. The rise of the importance of Bastet and the cat can probably be dated to this period. As with other creatures sacred to particular deities, it became very popular in the Late Period (664 - 332 BCE) to bury mummies of cats in special cemeteries as a sign of devotion to the goddess. Several cat cemeteries are known in Egypt.

Reference:  J. Malek, The cat in ancient Egypt (London, The British Museum Press, 1993) J. Clutton-Brock, The British Museum book of cats (London, The British Museum Press, 2000) 

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: Height: 2 5/8 inches (6.6 cm), Height with stand: 3 5/8 inches (9 cm), Depth: 1 5/8 inches (4 cm)

Condition:  The back tang is broken and now lost, and the surface is moderately to heavily oxidized. The piece has been fitted to a custom wood base.

Provenance: Private Boston collection, acquired from Hurst Gallery in 2006. Accompanied by a copy of the sale invoice.