Cat on papyrus

The cat was sacred to Egypt and was worshipped as the goddess Bastet in her temple at Bubastis, her sacred city in the Delta. The present example has a scarab, her emblem, inscribed on the forehead. She is unique for her size, though comparisons are to be found in small amulets that were worn. Sitting on top of stylized petals that surmounted a papyrus sceptre (wadjet) or column, she fulfilled the function of a very large votive. Green being the colour of vegetation, this cat is a symbol of rebirth and life.