Small Egyptian Cat Sculpture*The Met Store New

Our reproduction is based on an ancient Egyptian statuette of a cat (664–30 BCE) from the Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, now in the Museum’s collection. The original cat figure sits on a menat-shaped base with its tail wrapped along its right side. In its subtle modeling and stylized features, the sculptor has captured the lithe aloofness and dignity characteristic of the feline, which served as the zoomorphic form of the powerful protective goddess Bastet. A collar is engraved around the neck, from which is suspended an wedjat-eye pectoral for protection and well-being.