Bastet - Cat Headed Ancient Egyptian Goddess - Ceramic Sculpture Sculpture

Bastet was worshipped from very early times in ancient Egyptian culture. Originally she was a fierce lioness warrior goddess of the sun. Later she became the cat goddess that is familiar today. She was seen as protector of Lower Egypt and defender of the king and the sun god, Ra. She was also a goddess of pregnancy and childbirth, possibly because of the fertility of the domestic cat. Bastet was also regarded as a good mother like domestic cats who were seen as tender and protective of their offspring. She was also depicted as the goddess of protection against diseases and evil spirits. Cats were highly revered, partly due to their ability to combat pests such as mice, rats and snakes.

The Ancient Egyptians worshipped a large number of gods going back into pre-history. Their beliefs and rituals formed the base of ancient Egyptian religion and were a part of all aspects of daily life. They had their own temples and the Pharaoh was seen as their representative. Many deities were personified as animal gods and often depicted in human form with animal heads.

I have always been fascinated by the history, Myths and Legends shown in the Art and traditions of Ancient Egypt. There are many ancient Egyptian animal god sculptures in the British Museum in London that are wonderful to see. They suggest endless opportunities for creativity.

The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind.

The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work.

I use white stoneware clay and make using slab, carving and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln the second firing between 1100 and 1200c. Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes.

Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them.

Each piece is hand built and unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations.

Signed underneath with signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included.

Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.