[MUSIC]

This sleek, bronze cat was originally a case for the mummy of a cat! The ancient Egyptians sometimes mummified cats, just as they made mummies of human beings. The Egyptians actually mummified several different animals as a gift to the gods.

[SOUND: CAT MEOWS, PURRS]

Look closely at the cat’s right ear. It has a hole for an earring, which has been lost. Also notice the lines engraved in the metal around the cat’s neck. They represent a collar and a necklace. A large pendant in the shape of an eye hangs in front. This amulet, or protective object, is called a wedjat. The wedjat eye symbolized regeneration and protection. This collar and amulet didn’t belong to just any old cat. This dignified-looking statue represents Bastet, an Egyptian goddess who was associated with a house cat. People sometimes gave mummified cats to Bastet as gifts. She was usually a peaceful, benevolent deity. But another goddess with the head of a lioness was thought to be in charge of war and illness.

[SOUND: LIONESS ROARS]

This dangerous goddess’s name was Sakhmet. If Sakhmet was not soothed by gifts, the goddess might unleash her destructive power.