Among the list of various Egyptian deities, Bastet was considered to be very important. The deity was pictorially represented with the head of a cat, as a result of which the Egyptians paid respect to cats too. With the passing years, the look of this deity was varied by a continual change in attire.
Initially, this goddess was portrayed as a dreadful lioness. But later on, as cats became likable animals and people began taming them, her portrayal changed to a woman having a cat-head, instead of the dreaded lioness.
Bubastis, a temple of Bastet was built by the Egyptians. There were scores of idols inside the temple showing this cat-headed goddess. A detailed observation of these idols has helped historians to find out the way the god was usually attired.
An idol with a cat's head over the body of a young lady is the label of the deity. Most of these idols show her as a cat-headed goddess, except some idols, wherein a leopard or a lion is shown.
The clothing of the deity was decorative with many stylish features added to make it intricate. A small purse carried by her adorned several of the sculpted images, whereas some others portrayed her holding a musical instrument namely, the Sistrum in one of her arms whereas, she has a tender basket worn on the other arm.
Also part of her attire was a breastplate which formed the center of her attire. Based on Egyptian mythology this deity had a love for music and dance. She was also thought to be having a generous nature while being very rich as well. In fact the basket that the statue of Bastet was wearing was meant to represent the bountiful harvest that the goddess was associated with.
As a sign of respect, many cats were allowed to live in the temple dedicated to her. A huge number of mummified bodies of cats have been unearthed by archaeologists in the Bubastis temple. Cats that lived in domesticity in Egypt were buried in this temple.
A bronze sculpture clothed in the typical style was supposed to be empowered to bring luck, and so many Egyptians took possession of them. Lots of people offered these bronze sculptures within the temple. Therefore, numerous of them reaching to thousands have been discovered by archaeologists in the temple.
The identity of Bastet as a deity rendered a unique place for cats amidst the Egyptians. Certain laws were enforced to safeguard cats. If anyone happened to purposely impose danger to a cat, punishment was compulsory. Similarly, the Egyptians practiced detailed funeral rites to bury a cat that lived in domesticity.
Initially, this goddess was portrayed as a dreadful lioness. But later on, as cats became likable animals and people began taming them, her portrayal changed to a woman having a cat-head, instead of the dreaded lioness.
Bubastis, a temple of Bastet was built by the Egyptians. There were scores of idols inside the temple showing this cat-headed goddess. A detailed observation of these idols has helped historians to find out the way the god was usually attired.
An idol with a cat's head over the body of a young lady is the label of the deity. Most of these idols show her as a cat-headed goddess, except some idols, wherein a leopard or a lion is shown.
The clothing of the deity was decorative with many stylish features added to make it intricate. A small purse carried by her adorned several of the sculpted images, whereas some others portrayed her holding a musical instrument namely, the Sistrum in one of her arms whereas, she has a tender basket worn on the other arm.
Also part of her attire was a breastplate which formed the center of her attire. Based on Egyptian mythology this deity had a love for music and dance. She was also thought to be having a generous nature while being very rich as well. In fact the basket that the statue of Bastet was wearing was meant to represent the bountiful harvest that the goddess was associated with.
As a sign of respect, many cats were allowed to live in the temple dedicated to her. A huge number of mummified bodies of cats have been unearthed by archaeologists in the Bubastis temple. Cats that lived in domesticity in Egypt were buried in this temple.
A bronze sculpture clothed in the typical style was supposed to be empowered to bring luck, and so many Egyptians took possession of them. Lots of people offered these bronze sculptures within the temple. Therefore, numerous of them reaching to thousands have been discovered by archaeologists in the temple.
The identity of Bastet as a deity rendered a unique place for cats amidst the Egyptians. Certain laws were enforced to safeguard cats. If anyone happened to purposely impose danger to a cat, punishment was compulsory. Similarly, the Egyptians practiced detailed funeral rites to bury a cat that lived in domesticity.
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