04/09/2025
Bastet, the Gayer Anderson Cat
The Gayer-Anderson Cat, housed at the British Museum, is a stunning representation of Bastet in her domestic cat form, created during Egypt’s Late Period, (c. 664–332 B.C.). This bronze statue was acquired in the early 20th century by Major Robert Gayer-Anderson, a British collector and Egyptologist, who purchased it in Cairo.
Though its precise archaeological find spot is uncertain, stylistic analysis and historical context suggest a Memphite origin. Gayer-Anderson later donated the statue to the British Museum, where it has become one of the institution’s most iconic and beloved pieces.
The cat’s elegant posture, with its poised, upright head, slender body, and intricate detailing, reflects both the natural grace of real felines and the divine aura of Bastet.
Its purpose was more than ornamental, this cat was a votive object dedicated to Bastet, likely commissioned by a wealthy individual or community and placed in a temple or shrine, perhaps at Basis, Bastet’s cult centre.
The Gayer Anderson Cat was likely created in Memphis, one of Egypt’s key cultural and religious centres during the Late Period, renowned for its sophisticated bronze-casting workshops.
Read more: https://egypt-museum.com/bastet-gayer-anderson-cat/
