Fragment of a Cat Statuette

This bronze statue represents the seated cat form of the feline goddess Bastet, venerated in the Nile Delta, mainly in Bubastis. Although part of the statue is missing at the back, the tail is placed on the ground along the right side of the body. This position of the tail corresponds to the ancient Egyptian representation, which shows the tail of a seated cat on its right. The left ear and the base are also incomplete. According to the depression on the top of its head, the field between the two ears was originally decorated with a scarab. A subtle rectangular depression on the chest could be the frame of the necklace on its neck. The cat aspect of Bastet emphasises her tame, mild, and protective nature, in contrast to the uncontrollably ferocious and bloodthirsty features of the lioness. The scarab on the top of its head, which is the form of the sun god at dawn, refers to its strong connection with the deity.