Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 21 through 25, ca. 1070 to 664 B.C. Egyptian blue-green faience amulet of the goddess Bastet, protector deity represented as a cat-headed goddess, holding a sistrum (a musical instrument like a rattle) and seated on a throne that is decorated with the depictions of a snake god (called Nehebkau). Open work between the legs and the throne, between arms and body, between head and sistrum and in the sistrum. Size: 1.5" W x 2.3" H (3.8 cm x 5.8 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on included custom stand.

In ancient Egypt, the cat was associated with the Egyptian goddess Bastet, whose cult was centered on Bubastis on the Nile River Delta. Bastet gained recognition and importance when its rulers rose to power and formed the 22nd dynasty, a period also known as the Libyan Dynasty. Worshippers paid tribute to Bastet with ex-voto figures such as this example.

Provenance: private Jones collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA, acquired at Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#136955

Intact, with heavily encrusted deposits on surface.