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
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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