Statuette of Re as a Standing Tomcat
305-30 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Traced on the ear of many cat statuettes is the feather of Ma 'at (cosmic harmony), identifying them as manifestations of the sun god Re because Ma 'at was closely linked with that deity. Although this statuette does not have such a design, it, too, probably represents Re, especially since it carries in its left hand an aegis, or insignia, in the form of the head of a lioness goddess associated with Re. The cat's classical knee-length, sleeveless tunic, called a chiton, reflects the cosmopolitan society of Ptolemaic Egypt. Its pierced ears originally held gold earrings.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Bronze
- Medium
- bronze
- Locations
- Place made: Egypt
- Period
- Ptolemaic Period
- Dimensions
- 5 7/8 x 2 1/4 in. (14.9 x 5.7 cm)
- Accession Number
- 69.113
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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