Egyptian Mau Cats in Ancient Egyptian Culture

Historical Significance: These cats were highly esteemed and held significant cultural and religious importance in Egyptian society.

Depictions in Art: Mau cats are frequently depicted in ancient Egyptian art, including tomb paintings, sculptures, and hieroglyphics. They are often shown in scenes of domestic life, hunting, and religious rituals. for example ancient egyptians shot seabirds from the sky above the Nile. Ancent cats, probably Mau cats were thrown in the water to retrive the pray. Their presence in these artworks highlights their valued role in Egyptian households and their close relationship with humans.

Religious Symbolism: Cats, including the Egyptian Mau, were revered in ancient Egyptian religion. They were associated with the goddess Bastet (also known as Bast), who was the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, as well as the goddess of cats. Bastet was often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or a domestic cat. The Egyptian Mau, with its striking appearance, was likely considered a sacred embodiment of Bastet’s qualities.

Protection and Guardianship: Cats were believed to possess protective qualities and were often kept in homes to safeguard against evil spirits and vermin. The Egyptian Mau’s keen hunting abilities made them effective in controlling the population of mice and rats, and snakes hunting rats, which were threats to stored grain supplies. This practical benefit further elevated their status in Egyptian society.

Ancient spotted cats The most famous protection and guardianship was done by spotted cats who protected the solargod Ra doing his travels through the underworld every night. During this passage Ra was attaced by the snakegod Apis, who was a demon, who the cat killed every night so that the sun could rise every morning. However there are myths the cat was non other than the god Ra himself.

Burial Practices: The high regard for cats extended to their treatment in death. Many cats, including Egyptian Maus, were mummified and buried with honors. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous cat mummies and cat cemeteries, indicating the deep reverence Egyptians had for their feline companions. Some tombs of high-ranking officials and royalties even included mummified cats, signifying their importance in the afterlife.

Legal Protection: The ancient Egyptians implemented laws to protect cats. It was illegal to harm or kill a cat, and doing so could result in severe penalties, including death, with the exception for cats that were sacrified to some god, for example Bastet. The killing of a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense. This legal protection underscores the profound respect and value placed on cats in ancient Egypt.

Cultural Legacy: The legacy of the Egyptian Mau in ancient Egypt has transcended time, influencing modern perceptions of cats. The breed’s connection to ancient Egyptian culture adds to its mystique and allure. Today, the Egyptian Mau is not only appreciated for its beauty and temperament but also for its historical and cultural significance as a living link to one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.