Who created "Cat Coffin"?

Cat Coffin was created by Ancient Egyptian in Late Period-Ptolemaic Period (664–32 BCE).

When was "Cat Coffin" created?

This artwork was created Late Period-Ptolemaic Period (664–32 BCE).

What medium is "Cat Coffin"?

Cat Coffin is Wood and plaster.

Is "Cat Coffin" in the public domain?

Yes, Cat Coffin is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Cat Coffin

Ancient Egyptian

Late Period-Ptolemaic Period (664–32 BCE)

Medium

Wood and plaster

Dimensions

63.5 × 22.3 × 52 cm (25 × 8 3/4 × 20 7/16 in.)

Classification

coffin

Department

Arts of Africa

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Accession Number

5522

Rights

Public Domain

View on museum website →

About this artwork

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 o...

About the Artist

Ancient Egyptian

Ancient Egyptian artists, a collective of highly skilled artisans spanning over three millennia from the Predynastic period (c. 6000–3150 BC) to the Roman era (30 BC–4th century AD), produced some of humanity's most enduring masterpieces. These anonymous craftsmen, often organized in state-sponsored workshops, lived in dedicated communities like Deir el-Medina near Luxor during the New Kingdom (c....

Cat Coffin

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