Egypt, Third Intermediate (1069–715 BCE) / c. 1069–715 BCE
Amulet of Bastet
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Amulet of Bastet as amulets (Egypt, Third Intermediate (1069–715 BCE) · c. 1069–715 BCE).
This object was in the collection of Howard Carter—the man who discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun—until his death.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this amulets as hematite.
The museum's collection notes: Elegantly seated on a low base, its tail curled around its left side, this tiny cat, sacred animal of the goddess Bastet, is a sculptural tour de force. The front legs are carved entirely in openwork. The base, an amalgam of the hieroglyphs for "ointment jar" (also used in the writing the name of the goddess Bastet), and "protection" is admirably contoured to the animal's body. On the back is a loop for suspension.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtAmulet of BastetOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.