<em>Cat Coffin</em>, 664–332 B.C.E. Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus), 21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1942E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1942E_PS2.jpg)

Cat Coffin, 664–332 B.C.E. Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus), 21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1942E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1942E_PS2.jpg)

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What role did cats play in ancient Egypt?

Both domesticated and wild cats lived amongst the ancient Egyptians. Cats were associated with good night vision and with catching mice and snakes, traits that led to association with certain gods.

Cats were also associated with lions, and both animals were identified for their motherly instincts. For instance, the protective mother goddess Bastet was often depicted as a cat or with the head of a cat.

There were several lion-headed or lioness goddesses as well, including Wadjet, Mut, Shesemtet, Pakhet, and Tefnut.

Because of cats' mythological associations, cat fur, feces, and fat was used in medicine or in magic, while small cats were also used as symbols of fertility and sexuality. They had a lot of roles and associations in Ancient Egypt!

Were the cats sacrificed? Or did they just die?

Both. Most cats that were mummified to be offered to Bastet and other feline deities were sacrificed for the occasion. Some cats, especially family pets, would have been mummified after they died of some other cause.

Were the cats dead prior to mummification or sacrificed for entrance into the afterlife?

The simple answer is, it depends. Many cats and other animals were sacrificed in order to send their souls to the afterlife. This likely represents a larger proportion of cat mummies.

There is also evidence that pet cats were mummified after having died of natural causes.

Thanks!

Cat Coffin

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MEDIUM Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus)

Place Made: Egypt

DATES 664–332 B.C.E.

DYNASTY Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 30

PERIOD Late Period

DIMENSIONS 21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1942E

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Large wooden figure of a cat seated on a wooden base. Piece was covered with gesso, some traces of which remain. The piece is split into two sections to serve as a mummy container. Contains a cat mummy.

EXHIBITIONS

Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Cat Coffin, 664–332 B.C.E. Wood, gesso, linen, pigment, gold leaf, animal remains (Felis sylvestris, Felis libyca, or Felis chaus), 21 1/4 × 7 1/2 × 14 1/8 in. (54 × 19.1 × 35.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1942E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1942E_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 37.1942E_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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