Ca. 712-32 BC, Late Dynastic PeriodA linen-wrapped mummified cat, its body tightly bundled so that the outline of its skull and the long torso and legs are clearly displayed. This cat was created to evoke Bastet, the cat goddess who represented fertility and motherhood. Thousands of mummified cats and kittens were given as offerings to Bastet at temples in her honour. Beyond the goddess, cats were honoured and protected in Egyptian society. Comes in a custom display case. This extraordinary object includes an X-ray. For similar see: Bonhams, May 1, 2013, lot 353. Further see British Museum, accession number: EA6752.Size: L:380mm / W:100mm; 780gProvenance: Private London Collection; formerly in private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; ex-Bill Jamieson collection, Canada.