Amulet of a cat

The mould-made, blue Egyptian faience amulet represents the seated cat form of the feline goddess Bastet, venerated in the Nile Delta, mainly in Bubastis. The amulet depicts a cat seated on her haunches with her six kittens. Four kittens sit supporting her outstretched forelegs on their heads, and two more balance on the forelegs. The cat, feeding, protecting, and paying attention to her kitten, is a form of the goddess representing the maternity and family. This maternal gesture symbolised the beneficial and fertility power of Bastet. The ancient Egyptians asked for the gods’ protection in their life and afterlife by wearing amulets. There is a suspension loop behind her neck. It was worn on their jewellery and clothes or textiles. Cat amulets were worn by women in particular, who relied on the protection of the goddess during their pregnancy, or who hoped for pregnancy by the fertility power of the goddess.