BASTET, bronze statuette, Egypt, 4th-6th century AD

Very beautiful bronze statue of the Egyptian fertility goddess Bastet in the shape of a cat. Beautiful patina, strong appearance! The statue dates from Roman times and is in good condition. A wooden support is included.

Length: 5.7cm
Weight: 56 grams
Origin: Egypt
Dating: 4th - 6th century AD.  
Provenance: ex collection of Mr Le Salle, Belgium

Bastet was originally a lion goddess of war and protection in ancient Egypt, but later she was mainly worshiped as a fertility goddess, domestic protector and goddess of joy, music and cats. She is often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat or as a cat itself. In her role as a fertility goddess, Bastet protected women, children and pregnancy. Cats were sacred to her because they symbolized protection of home and hearth against vermin. Her main cult center was at Bubastis, where major festivals were held in her honor.