EGYPT - Lot 89

EGYPT Mummy of a cat in a cloth sheath with an open head, green and red lines and dots on the ears Egypt, Late period -664 / -332 Linen cloth and pigment H: 24 cm For a very similar example: Louvre, inventory number N 2889 This cat mummy was an offering dedicated to Bastet, the cat goddess of the home. Animals were raised in sanctuaries and deliberately put to death. This offering is evidence of a cult to animal gods for whom entire cemeteries were reserved. Scans have revealed that some of these mummies sold to pilgrims sometimes contained little or no animal remains Provenance: Former André Malraux Collection, then gift of his daughter Florence to the present owner. Expert : Sabrina Uzan Expertise Archeology - Arts of Islam Member of the SNA Member of the CECOA n°115263 13, rue des Saints Pères 75006 Paris 06 88 39 56 03 sabrinauzanexpertise@gmail.com