Ancient Egyptian Cat Mummy | Mummified Bastet Offering | 300–100 BCE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Egypt
Material: Linen wrappings, polychrome gesso mask, organic remains, wooden display base
Period: Ptolemaic Period, circa 300–100 BCE
Description
This ancient Egyptian votive cat mummy is a truly remarkable artifact, dating to the Ptolemaic Period (circa 300–100 BCE) — over 2,000 years old. Representing the sacred connection between humans and the divine in ancient Egypt, this exquisitely preserved mummy offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine relic of one of history’s most spiritual civilizations. The mummified feline displays extraordinary craftsmanship and preservation, featuring a finely modeled polychrome gesso mask with almond-shaped eyes, stylized whiskers, and traces of ochre, red, and blue-green pigments — a stunning survival of original ancient color.
Features
- Intricate linen wrappings arranged in geometric cross-banding, demonstrating the skill and care of ancient embalmers
- Finely detailed gesso mask combining ritual artistry and religious devotion, likely created for temple offering to the goddess Bastet
- X-rayed and scientifically verified to contain genuine feline skull and organic remains
- Mounted on a custom wooden base for museum-quality display and protection
- Includes provenance documentation confirming genuine Ptolemaic-era origin
Cultural Significance
Votive animal mummies such as this were sacred temple offerings presented by worshippers seeking divine favor, fertility, or protection under the goddess Bastet — the revered symbol of grace and guardianship in ancient Egyptian religion. This specimen embodies the intersection of art, faith, and preservation, serving as a rare testament to the spiritual devotion and ritual sophistication of ancient Egypt. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or educational artifact, it bridges the modern world with the mysticism of Egypt’s sacred temples.
Condition
Exceptionally preserved with visible pigment traces and intact wrappings. Minor surface wear and loss consistent with antiquity. The wooden base remains stable and secure for long-term exhibition.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height (with base): 7 ⅞ in
Width: 2.5 in
Age
Circa 300–100 BCE
Explore our Ancient Egyptian Crocodile Mummy
From Our Blog: Unearthing Egypt’s Sacred Cat Mummies – “Whiskers of the Divine”
See More Cat Mummies and Information at the Smithsonian: https://www.si.edu/collections/snapshot/mummy-cat
Read About Why Cats Were Mummified at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History: https://carnegiemnh.org/why-were-cats-mummified-in-ancient-egypt/
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Egypt
Material: Linen wrappings, polychrome gesso mask, organic remains, wooden display base
Period: Ptolemaic Period, circa 300–100 BCE
Description
This ancient Egyptian votive cat mummy is a truly remarkable artifact, dating to the Ptolemaic Period (circa 300–100 BCE) — over 2,000 years old. Representing the sacred connection between humans and the divine in ancient Egypt, this exquisitely preserved mummy offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine relic of one of history’s most spiritual civilizations. The mummified feline displays extraordinary craftsmanship and preservation, featuring a finely modeled polychrome gesso mask with almond-shaped eyes, stylized whiskers, and traces of ochre, red, and blue-green pigments — a stunning survival of original ancient color.
Features
- Intricate linen wrappings arranged in geometric cross-banding, demonstrating the skill and care of ancient embalmers
- Finely detailed gesso mask combining ritual artistry and religious devotion, likely created for temple offering to the goddess Bastet
- X-rayed and scientifically verified to contain genuine feline skull and organic remains
- Mounted on a custom wooden base for museum-quality display and protection
- Includes provenance documentation confirming genuine Ptolemaic-era origin
Cultural Significance
Votive animal mummies such as this were sacred temple offerings presented by worshippers seeking divine favor, fertility, or protection under the goddess Bastet — the revered symbol of grace and guardianship in ancient Egyptian religion. This specimen embodies the intersection of art, faith, and preservation, serving as a rare testament to the spiritual devotion and ritual sophistication of ancient Egypt. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or educational artifact, it bridges the modern world with the mysticism of Egypt’s sacred temples.
Condition
Exceptionally preserved with visible pigment traces and intact wrappings. Minor surface wear and loss consistent with antiquity. The wooden base remains stable and secure for long-term exhibition.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height (with base): 7 ⅞ in
Width: 2.5 in
Age
Circa 300–100 BCE
Explore our Ancient Egyptian Crocodile Mummy
From Our Blog: Unearthing Egypt’s Sacred Cat Mummies – “Whiskers of the Divine”
See More Cat Mummies and Information at the Smithsonian: https://www.si.edu/collections/snapshot/mummy-cat
Read About Why Cats Were Mummified at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History: https://carnegiemnh.org/why-were-cats-mummified-in-ancient-egypt/
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