Bastet amulet
Unknown Artist
664–30 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
h. 5.8 cm (2 5/16 in.)
Classification
Amulet, Bastet seated, openwork base
Period
Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1944
Accession Number
44.4.37
Art Historical Context
This charming faience amulet depicts Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of protection, fertility, and domestic joy, often portrayed as a cat-headed woman. Crafted during Egypt's Late Period to Ptolemaic era (664–30 B.C.), when foreign influences blended with enduring pharaonic traditions, such small talismans were everyday guardians. At just 5.8 cm tall, it was likely worn as jewelry or carried for personal safeguarding against evil spirits or misfortune—a testament to the Egyptians' deep belief in divine intercession in daily life. Faience, a glazed composite of quartz, lime, and clay fire...