Dublin Core
Título
Mummified cat
Materia
Linen wrappings
votive offerings
animal mummification
Ptolemaic-Roman Egypt
Descripción
This is a well-preserved example of a mummified cat from the Ptolemaic-Roman period in Egypt (30 BC – 90 AD).
The intricate linen wrappings and the painted facial features reflect the ceremonial nature of cat mummification.
Initially, cats were mummified as beloved pets, but in later times they were considered sacred to the goddess Bastet and offered by pilgrims as votive offerings in temples.
Large-scale cat cemeteries near Bastet's temples date from around 900 BC.
X-ray studies of cat mummies reveal that many animals were killed young, likely to meet the demands of religious festivals. The practice contributed significantly to temple economies.
The intricate linen wrappings and the painted facial features reflect the ceremonial nature of cat mummification.
Initially, cats were mummified as beloved pets, but in later times they were considered sacred to the goddess Bastet and offered by pilgrims as votive offerings in temples.
Large-scale cat cemeteries near Bastet's temples date from around 900 BC.
X-ray studies of cat mummies reveal that many animals were killed young, likely to meet the demands of religious festivals. The practice contributed significantly to temple economies.
Autor
Unknown (Ancient Egypt)
Fuente
Royal Ontario Museum
Editor
Royal Ontario Museum
Fecha
c. 30 BC-642 AD
Formato
51 x 13 x 13 cm
Tipo
Mummy
Identificador
910.169.1
Cobertura
Egypt
Roman Period