Home > Animals > Mammals > Cats (Wild) > Catus
Egyptian mummified cat
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Egyptian mummified cat
Photograph of an Egyptian mummified cat. Over 2000 years ago, an ancient Egyptian painstakingly wrapped and embalmed this domestic cat as a religious offering to an animal-headed god. Millions of animals were killed in this way, most commonly baboons, cats and falcons but also jackals, shrews, fish, cows and even crocodiles. This specimen was bought by two sisters is 1914, who donated it to the Museum. Date: 1914
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14238499
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
Carnivora Cultural Domestic Cat Embalmed Embalming Epitheria Eutheria Felid Felidae Feliformia Felinae Feline Felis Felis Catus Felis Domesticus Felis Silvestris Felis Silvestris Catus Feloidea Mammalia Mummification Mummified Mummy Offering Placental Mammal Studioshot Theria White Background
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Farm
> Cattle
> Related Images
> Animals
> Fishes
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cats (Domestic)
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cats (Wild)
> Catus
> Animals
> Reptiles
> Crocodilians
> Crocodiles
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Ancient Egyptian Mummified Domestic Cat: A Religious Offering to the Gods" This photograph showcases an ancient Egyptian mummified cat, carefully wrapped and embalmed over 2,000 years ago as a religious offering to an animal-headed god. The practice of mummifying animals was widespread in ancient Egypt, with millions of animals, including cats, baboons, falcons, and even crocodiles, being killed and preserved in this manner. The felines, particularly the domestic cat (Felis catus), held a special place in Egyptian society and religion. They were often associated with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted as a cat or a woman with the head of a cat. The cat was believed to protect the pharaoh and the home, ensuring prosperity and good fortune. This mummified cat, now a precious artifact, was acquired by two sisters in 1914 and later donated to the museum. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural history and the deep reverence ancient Egyptians had for their beloved animals. Keywords: animal, cat, Carnivora, Domestic cat, Eutheria, Felid, Felidae, Feliformia, Felinae, Feline, Felis, Felis catus, Felis domesticus, Felis silvestris catus, Felis silvestris, Feloidea, Mammal, Mammalia, One, Placental mammal, Studio shot, Therian, White background, Embalming, Embalmed offering, Religious, Cultural, Mummy, Mummified, Mummification, Ancient, Egyptian, History, Historical.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.