Artwork Page for Amulet of Bastet

Details / Information for Amulet of Bastet

Amulet of Bastet

c. 1069–715 BCE

Egypt, Third Intermediate

(1069–715 BCE)
Medium
hematite
Measurements
Overall: 4.4 x 1.1 x 2.8 cm (1 3/4 x 7/16 x 1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Norman O. Stone and Ella A. Stone Memorial Fund 1973.29
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print
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Did You Know?

This object was in the collection of Howard Carter—the man who discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun—until his death.

Description

Elegantly seated on a low base, its tail curled around its left side, this tiny cat, sacred animal of the goddess Bastet, is a sculptural tour de force. The front legs are carved entirely in openwork. The base, an amalgam of the hieroglyphs for "ointment jar" (also used in the writing the name of the goddess Bastet), and "protection" is admirably contoured to the animal's body. On the back is a loop for suspension.
A sculpture in hematite, a polished dark gray stone, depicts a cat sitting upright on a small rectangular base. Facing left, the feline has an elongated neck and rounded head with pointed ears. Its front legs are straight, while the tail curves upward into a tight circular coil on the lower back. The glint of light highlights the smooth, reflective surface, revealing fine scratches and a notch on the far ear.

Amulet of Bastet

c. 1069–715 BCE

Egypt, Third Intermediate (1069–715 BCE)

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