Bronze Egyptian Cat Replica

A miniature bronze replica of the cat goddess Bastet, based an original in the British Museum. The replica measures 10.5cm high. <br> <br>Sacred to the ancient Egyptians, cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was originally depicted as a fiercely protective lion, but this image softened over the years to be portrayed more as a domestic cat. <br> <br> This replica has been based on a bronze original now in the British Museum which dates from around 664-30 BC and is shown in the classic seated position. <br> <br>The cat wears has a basket-shaped amulet and counterpoise incised around the neck .The earrings have been added to the piece in a similar style to those that would have been on the original. <br> <br> <strong>More aboout Bastet</strong> <br> <br>Bastet was often depicted as having the body of a woman and the head of a domestic cat. She was associated with the Eye of Ra, acting within the sun god's power. <br> <br> Bastet was so highly regarded by the Egyptians that she became a household goddess and protector of women, children and domestic cats. She was also the goddess of sunrise, music, dance, pleasure, as well as family, fertility and birth. <br> <br> Cat votive offerings were often enhanced with precious jewellery (such as the earring shown here) given by the Ancient Egyptians who hoped for blessings from the goddess.

Exclusive to the British Museum, a bronze replica of a statue of the cat goddess Bastet.

This statue is crafted from oxidised bronze and is finished with gold-plated brass hoop earrings. The cat is based on an original artefact from the British Museum collection.

The bronze original dates from around 664-30 BC and is shown in the classic seated position. The cat wears a basket-shaped amulet and counterpoise incised around the neck. The earrings have been added to the piece in a similar style to those that would have been on the original.

Sacred to the ancient Egyptians, cats were particularly important to the goddess Bast, or Bastet. She was often depicted as having the body of a woman and the head of a cat. Bastet was so highly regarded by the Egyptians that she became a household goddess, believed to be the protector of women, children and domestic cats. She was also the goddess of the sunrise, music, dance and pleasure, as well as family, fertility and birth.

A striking gift for the home.