Faience, which dates back to pre-dynastic times,
of at least 5,000 years, is a glasslike non-clay
substance made of materials common to Egypt:
ground quartz, crushed quartz pebbles, flint, a
soluble salt-like baking soda, lime and ground
copper, which provided the characteristic color.
The dried objects went into kilns looking pale
and colorless but emerged a sparkling "Egyptian
blue." Called tjehnet by the ancient Egyptians,
meaning that which is brilliant or scintillating,
faience was thought to be filled with the undying
light of the sun, moon and stars and was
symbolic of rebirth. Ancient Egyptians believed
the small blue-green objects helped prepare
them for eternity in the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians venerated cats for their ability
to keep down the rodent population the
economically important grain fields along the
Nile. They were kept as pets in the home and
assisted hunters by retrieving their small birds
like dogs do today. Because they were
economically useful and believed to ensure many
children for a family, cats were so revered that
they were mummified and buried either with
their owners or in specially designated
cemeteries. The Egyptians even had a cat
goddess, called Bast or Bastet, who was depicted
with the body of a woman and the head of a cat.
This diminutive pendant is a masterpiece of
intricacy. Originally, this ancient statuette would
have been attached a chord and worn around the
neck. A drilled holes just above the base attests
to this use. This pendant must have been
particularly affective considering that it
combines the imagery of the revered feline with
the sacred material of faience. Certain objects,
masterpieces treasured in their own time, are of
an eternal beauty that is easily appreciated
regardless of era or culture. This amulet is one
such stunning example; a reminder of how close
the glories of Ancient Egypt, from the most
monumental pyramids to intimate, personal
relics of faith such as this cat pendant.
- (PF.4416)
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