New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Cat Figurine

Artist Unknown

CultureEgyptian

Date3rd Intermediate Period, Dynasty 23, 818-715 B.C.E.

MediumBronze

DimensionsOverall: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number82.52

Collections

Ancient Mediterranean Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 109

Label TextCat Statuette Third International Period, Dynasty 23, 818-715 B.C.E. Bronze Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 82.52 The ancient Egyptians believed that the gods could inhabit living creatures like animals, as well as statues of animals, which then functioned as receptacles for their power. Thus, animal figurines served a clear devotional, or votive, function, and were dedicated by worshippers to the appropriate god in hopes of protection and eternal reward. This bronze Cat was probably dedicated to the goddess Bastet, deity of lionesses and cats, who embodied the gentler aspects of the feline nature. She was seen as a powerful, yet maternal goddess and was often invoked as patroness of the house. Wealthy Egyptians clearly had the means to purchase more elaborate and finely finished votive images than did poorer folk, who generally had to content themselves with more modest statuettes made of lower quality bronze, or of mere wood or clay. With this in mind, compare the regal Cat here with the smaller, more roughly worked Cat nearby. Exhibition History"The Allure of Ancient Egypt," Selden Arcade, Norfolk, VA, June 18 - August 17, 2013. "Man's Best Friends," Selden Arcade, Norfolk, VA, August 27 - October 19, 2013.