Faience amulet of a seated cat

Description

A small but fine greenish faience amulet of a typical seated cat, most likely depicting Bastet in her feline form. Suspension ring at the back and some carvings on either side of the body. 

Amulets were often placed in mummy wrappings or tombs to help the deceased navigate the afterlife safely. They were thought to provide protection, restore bodily functions, and ensure rebirth.

Parallels:

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/136747/amulet-of-a-cat?ctx=bf6dece9-716e-4a3d-b59c-694f4795791a&idx=6

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545391                          

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/136749/amulet-of-a-cat?ctx=bf6dece9-716e-4a3d-b59c-694f4795791a&idx=8

https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/artifact/cat-amulet-2

https://art.thewalters.org/object/48.1563/

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545389

Culture

Egyptian, Late period.

Dating

Circa 664-332 BC

Size

2,2 cm high, mounted on a 0,5 cm base. 

Provenance

Dr. Hans Halter, Swiss colecting before 1966. In EU collection since 2006. 

Dutch Private Collection, acquired via Gorny & Mosch.

Published

Gorny and Mosch Catalogue auction 316, page 2.

Condition

Fine details, but without its paws and tail.