Art Institute of Chicago

Cat Coffin

Egyptian

Date

Late Period-Ptolemaic Period (664–32 BCE)

Medium

Wood and plaster

Culture

Egypt

Department

Arts of Africa

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Ancient Egyptians dedicated animal coffins like this wooden example in temples, tailoring the enclosed mummified animal to one that had a specific connection with the deity whose favor was sought. The mummified animal’s soul acted as a messenger between the human and divine realms, seeking resolution to issues such as illness or crimes committed against its dedicator. The feline form of this empty coffin suggests that it was presented to Bastet, a goddess revered for her motherly qualities who often assumed the form of a cat or cat-headed woman.

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