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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.0229)
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