A light green glazed faience amulet depicting a seated cat. The animal is shown seated on its haunches, front paws straightened at the front and ears erect. Suspension loop behind the neck.
 
Ancient Egyptian Late period: 6th-1st century B.C.
 
Height 30.8 mms (1.2 ins).
 
Condition notes: A repair to one of the ears with darker discoloration in the area around (possibly due to the adhesive used). The ear is a slightly different shape to the other, (which is quite usual), though the ear appears to be original. In passing, we have noticed while looking for other examples that as far as we can tell, nearly all such cat amulets had damage to one of the ears (also that they were often different shapes), including the ones in museums, so we wonder if they were damaged intentionally, for some superstitious or ritualistic purpose? Otherwise, complete and intact.
 
Ref: For similar see C. Andrews, 'Amulets of Ancient Egypt' (London 1994), p.32.
 
Provenance: From A.B. private collection UK acquired during the 1930's-and 1940's.
 
An Egyptian cat amulet served as a charm for protection and fertility, representing the goddess Bastet. The belief in cats as carriers of the spirit of gods also contributed to a general sense of good luck associated with having a cat in the home. Amulets were particularly popular among women who wished to become pregnant or who were already pregnant, relying on the goddess's power to ensure a healthy pregnancy and child.
 
See our blog post on amulets