Egyptian Cat Replica

<p>A small replica of the cat goddess Bastet, moulded from an orginal in the British Museum. <br /> <br /> The cat was the animal sacred to the goddess Bastet and as such was regarded as the deity's earthly representative. <br /> <br /> During the first millennium BC the techniques of bronze casting improved greatly allowing for the production to be increased, and large numbers of bronze statuettes of seated cats have been found. <br /> <br /> The statuettes would be presented at the temple as a gift to the goddess, either to thank her for past favours or perhaps to encourage her to grant them in future. When the temple had acquired a large number of these votive offerings they would be removed and buried in large pits. <br /> <br /> This replica has been moulded from a bronze original now in the British Museum which dates from around 664-30 BC and is shown in the classic seated position.</p>

Exclusive to the British Museum, a replica of the cat goddess Bastet, based on an original ancient Egyptian sculpture.

This replica has been moulded from a bronze original now in the British Museum which dates from around 664-30 BC and is shown in the classic seated position.

Sacred to the ancient Egyptians, cats were particularly important to the goddess Bast (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 as the protector of women, children and domestic cats. She was also the goddess of sunrise, music, dance and pleasure as well as family, fertility and birth.

A regal and historical ornament that will steal the focus in any home setting.