The Cat in Ancient Egypt
The Cat in Ancient Egypt by Jaromír Málek, published by University of Pennsylvania Press in 2006, offers a definitive and richly illustrated account of the role of cats in Egyptian life, religion, and art. This second edition spans 144 pages and is presented in English, providing readers with insights into the historical significance of cats, which are believed to have descended from those in ancient Egypt.
In this book, Málek explores the domestication of wild cats, which likely began around 2000 BC, and their representation in Egyptian tomb paintings during the New Kingdom. The text delves into the esteemed status of cats in ancient society, particularly their association with the goddess Bastet. Readers will find a comprehensive examination of cats’ significance through various forms of artistic expression, including painting, sculpture, and jewelry, supported by 90 color and 21 black and white illustrations.
Official synopsis Publisher
A definitive and richly illustrated account of cats in Egyptian life, religion, and art
True aristocrat of domestic animals, the cat has a distinguished ancestry. Most modern cats are thought to be descended from the cats of ancient Egypt, so these beautiful and engaging creatures represent a living link between ancient Egyptian civilization and our own times.
Wild cats were probably domesticated at least as early as 2000 BC, but they were regularly represented in Egyptian tomb paintings only some 500 years later, in the New Kingdom. The cat became one of the most important and highly esteemed animals in Egypt, revered as a manifestation of the goddess Bastet. Representations of cats are found in painting, sculpture, papyri, jewellry, ostraca and coffins throughout Egypt, and large numbers of mummified cats were buried during the Late Period. Drawing on this vast range of sources, Jaromir Malek examines the significance of cats in Egyptian life, religion, and art.
With 90 color and 21 black and white illustrations.
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