Statue of Bast

Historical Reproduction - Vintage - Made in Egypt

Approximately 5” tall

BAST - BASTET

Bast, also known as Bastet, is an ancient Egyptian goddess who embodies both the nurturing and ferocious aspects of the feline. She is typically depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, symbolizing her dual nature. Initially, Bast was worshipped as a lioness goddess of warfare in Lower Egypt. Over time, her image softened, and she became associated with domestic cats, representing home, fertility, and the protective and nurturing aspects of motherhood.

Bast was revered as the goddess of home, fertility, and childbirth, as well as the protector of the household and women. She was also associated with music, dance, and joy, often depicted holding a sistrum, a musical instrument that was believed to ward off evil spirits. Her cult center was in the city of Bubastis, where a grand temple was built in her honor. This temple, surrounded by lush gardens and canals, became a major pilgrimage site, especially during her annual festival, which was one of the most popular and lively celebrations in ancient Egypt.

In her protective role, Bast was believed to ward off disease and evil spirits, making her a beloved deity among ancient Egyptians. Cats were sacred to Bast and were often kept in homes to invoke her protection. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense punishable by death, reflecting the deep reverence Egyptians held for both the goddess and her animal symbol.

Bast's worship highlights the Egyptian's appreciation for the dualities of life: fierce protection and gentle care, mirroring the nature of the domesticated cat itself. Her enduring legacy is seen in the continued reverence for cats in Egyptian culture and her prominent place in Egyptian mythology.