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The first examples of amulets appeared in
Ancient Egypt as early as 4000 B.C. Believed
to possess magical powers that protected the
wearer or bestowed upon the properties they
symbolized, amulets were worn both by the
living as well as the dead. Throughout their
evolution, talismans were crafted from a
variety of materials including precious metals
such as gold and silver, semiprecious stone like
jasper and carnelian, as well as other more
affordable glazed compositions such as faience.
The particular powers of an individual amulet
were based upon its specific shape, although
the material and even the color of the charm
could affect its magical abilities. While many of
the amulets created to be worn by the living
could also be worn after death, there also
existed a specific group of charms that were
made specifically to be placed upon the
mummified remains of the deceased. All
together, amulets represent an important
class of Ancient Egyptian art that furthers our
understanding of their complex religious
beliefs.
Ancient Egyptians venerated cats for their ability
to keep down the rodent population the
economically important grain fields along the
Nile. They were kept as pets in the home and
assisted hunters by retrieving their small birds
like dogs do today. Because they were
economically useful and believed to ensure many
children for a family, cats were so revered that
they were mummified and buried either with
their owners or in specially designated
cemeteries. The Egyptians even had a cat
goddess, called Bast or Bastet, who was depicted
with the body of a woman and the head of a cat.
Originally, this ancient statuette would have been
attached a chord and worn around the neck. A
drilled holes just above the base attests to this
use. This pendant must have been particularly
affective considering that it combines the
imagery of the revered feline with the sacred
material of faience. Certain objects, masterpieces
treasured in their own time, are of an eternal
beauty that is easily appreciated regardless of era
or culture. This amulet is one such stunning
example; a reminder of how close the glories of
Ancient Egypt, from the most monumental
pyramids to intimate, personal relics of faith
such as this cat pendant.
- (CK.0227)
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