Egyptian Cat Art

Are you a cat lover and a lover of art? Do you favor Egyptian cat art objects? By combining these interests, you can easily add a unique decorating touch, to any room in your home.

Egyptian cat art does not portray cuddly creatures. These pieces are regal and majestic. They suggest felines that were treated as royalty, perfectly groomed and showered with jewels and precious stones.

Domesticated felines can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It is said they were, first, kept in homes as a means of eliminating rodents and poisonous snakes.

Later, these sleek animals were acquired by the wealthy, as pampered companions. It was during that time that Egyptian cats became associated with numerous gods and goddesses and were worshipped as such. Taking the life of a cat, even by accident, was punishable by death. When a domestic cat passed away, its owners would shave their eyebrows as an indication of mourning.

In late Egyptian history, bronze cat statues were often created and used as shrines or funeral ornaments. Most of these Egyptian cat art figurines had pierced ears and wore gold or silver earrings. Their eyes were crafted from materials such as crystal or other opaque stones.

Some Egyptian cat art statues are part human, symbolizing the goddess Bastet. This is due to the fact that ancient Egyptians did not separate human and animal kingdoms when worshipping the gods.

Egyptian Cat Art in Everyday Life

During that same period, cats were found to adorn objects used in everyday life, by common citizens. Bracelets, amulets, rings, mirrors and cosmetic pots were among some of these items that featured Egyptian cat art. Even though these items were not expensive in nature, they were still considered to be treasured objects.

Bronze figurines have been found of a cat nursing her kittens, these art pieces were made to portray the maternal nature of the domestic cat.

Another long ago form of art, which featured cats, was Egyptian tomb painting. In these pictures cats were shown in a number of different situations. They were portrayed as hunters, fertility symbols, and trusted companions.

The likeness of the Egyptian cat has been produced on other types of art objects, as well. They are somewhat uncommon and highly sought after, by interested collectors. These well-groomed and often elegantly adorned felines can be found in paintings, on jewelry, as crystal pieces, woven into textiles, as sculptures and more.

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