Object Record
Images
Additional Images [1]
Metadata
Object ID Number |
2020.012.004 |
Title |
Seated Cat Statuette (Bastet) |
Date |
664-332 BCE Ca. (Late Period) |
Medium |
Metal |
Dimensions (H x W x D) |
8" x 2.475" x 5.566" |
Credit Line |
The Fred W. Neumann Collection of Ancient Art |
Culture |
Ancient Egyptian |
Collection |
Survey Collection |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Description |
Medium-sized bronze statuette of a cat, seated in a stiff, front-facing position with its forelegs together; basically symmetrical apart from the long tail that curves around from the center of the back side, around the proper right side, terminating about 2 cm beyond the proper right paw. Front paws and back proper left paw are articulated with shallow grooves to represent individual toes/claws; dew claws are also represented on the backs of the lower forelegs. The body of the cat is thin and naturalistically proportioned and modelled as is the head, which features an incised mouth and whiskers, and a naturalistically modelled bridged nose. The slightly convex eyes are an elongated amygdaloid shape that is pointed at the outer edges. There are defined eyelids. The erect ears feature lightly incised, angled lines, perhaps a stylized representation of fur/hair. The breast of the cat features a lightly incised and roughly square panel with a lightly incised Wadjet Eye symbol on breast. This square panel appears to be hanging from two lightly incised ribbons that are joined together on the back of the neck in a stylized knot (Gardiner V6-7 – hieroglyph for rope). Below the forepaws and the back end of the cat, two tenons (3.2 cm long) extend downward for attachment to a base. |