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Chat

Ptolemaic Period
332–30 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134
Pendant le Moyen Empire, en Égypte, les chats étaient le plus souvent représentés comme des animaux sauvages en chasse. Ils ne figureront comme animaux de compagnie qu’après le Nouvel Empire. C’est pendant et après la Basse époque que se répandra la coutume d’enterrer des chats momifiés dans l’enceinte des temples, et plus particulièrement ceux qui étaient dédiés à la déesse Bastet. Cette boîte destinée à la momie d’un chat témoigne du luxe de ces offrandes aux dieux. Un maître artisan du métal a réalisé ici la fascinante effigie d’un félin aux muscles déliés, aux membres longs et gracieux et au regard alerte. Un anneau d’or à l’oreille et un collier gravé d’un œil protecteur — aujourd’hui manquants — achevaient de donner à l’animal un statut sacré.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Titre: Chat
  • Période: Périodes macédonienne et ptolémaïque
  • Date: 332–30 av. J.-C.
  • Technique: Bronze (plombé)
  • Dimensions: H. 27,4 cm
  • Crédits: Fonds Harris Brisbane Dick, 1956
  • Accession Number: 56.16.1
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

Audio

Uniquement disponible en: English
Cover Image for 1116. Kids: Cat Statuette

1116. Kids: Cat Statuette

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[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.

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