A small, 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.
Egyptian Late period: 6th-1st century B.C.
Condition: A repair to the base of one of the ears, otherwise complete and intact.
Height 21.6 mms (0.85 ins).
Provenance: From A.B. private collection UK acquired during the 1930's and 1940's
For similar see C. Andrews, 'Amulets of Ancient Egypt' (London 1994), p.32.
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.