Statuette of a seated cat

This faience statue represents the seated cat form of the feline goddess Bastet, venerated in the Nile Delta, mainly in Bubastis. The “cat” aspect of Bastet emphasises her tame, mild, and accommodating nature, in contrast to the uncontrollably ferocious and bloodthirsty features of the lioness. The tail has been lost but originally placed on the ground along the right side of the body. The ears, hind legs, and partially the forelegs are also missing. The base is severly damaged. There are some incised lines on its forehead, above its deep-sunk eyes, where the tabby cat has stripes. Although the surface of its neck is worn, it probably was decorated with an incised multi-strand broad collar with uniform pendants. Uncharacteristically, a larger menit-pendant is on its chest, which was originally worn as a counterpoise of the jewellery, hanging from the neck or on the back. The suspension loop on its back was broken off.