Scarab Decorated with the Representation of a Cat (Bastet)

Unknown

ca. 733–525 B.C. · Steatite · Egyptian Art

The underside of the scarab is decorated with the representatiojn of a cat sitting on top of a basket. Cats represent the goddess Bastet, the mild-tempered daughter of the sun god Re, who also served as an Eye of Re. The sun disk above her back emphasizes her association with Re.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 733–525 B.C.

Medium

Steatite

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910