Art Deco Bronze Egyptian Cat goddess Bastet

Bronze Egyptian Cat goddess 

A rare and stylised gold patinated solid bronze cast cat god ‘Bastet’ with hollow eyes produced in the Art Deco period, having beautiful for the cat stands beautifully, having a thick collar with Egyptian hieroglyph the cat is in fantastic original condition

Age: 1930

Style: Egyptian / French Art Deco

Origin : France

Material: Bronze

Condition: very good

Restoration: none

Dimensions: 46h x 25w x 37d cm

Bastet (Bast)

In the era of ancient Egypt, felines held significant importance and were revered as semi-divine beings. They served a crucial role in safeguarding crops and curtailing disease spread by exterminating rodents. Moreover, they were perceived as the earthly embodiment of the goddess Bastet. As a deity, Bastet symbolised protection, enjoyment, and was considered a harbinger of good health.

Her depiction was that of a cat-headed woman with a slender physique. She was known to be Ra's offspring, Sekhmet's sibling, Ptah's spouse, and Mihos' parent. From the Second Dynasty onwards, she received worship as a divine being primarily in Lower Egypt. Over time her form and abilities evolved. It was widely believed that she would accompany her father Ra - the sun god - on his daily sky journey in his solar boat providing him protection while he moved the sun across the sky. During nightfall, she transformed into a feline to guard Ra against his arch-nemesis Apep - the serpent deity.