- Material: 100% Sterling silver
- Weight: 3.6 grams
- More than 1/2 inch wide x almost 1 inch tall excluding bail (14 x 24 mm)
- Item number: wh273
This striking pendant features a head-and-shoulders depiction of Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess with the head of a cat and the body of woman. Bastet is shown in the traditional side profile view above an ornate collar. Just below Bastet is an ankh symbol, and both are framed in a coffin-shaped border.
The pendant is dramatically oxidized, with the recessed textured background showing very dark, almost black, to highlight the polished silver features of Bastet and the ankh. The reverse side of the pendant has an overall lightly hammered finish.
Originally a lioness, Bastet was the daughter of the sun god Ra and Isis. Her role was that of protector of Lower Egypt and Ra. It was believed that every day she would ride through the sky with her father. As his boat pulled the sun through the sky she would watch over and protect him. At night, she would turn into a cat to protect Ra from his greatest enemy, the serpent Apep. She was also worshipped as a protector against contagious diseases and evil spirits, as well as a goddess of pregnancy and childbirth.
The ancient Egyptian hieroglyph known as Ankh symbolizes 'Life' and 'Eternal Life'. It was one of the most popular and widespread symbols in ancient Egypt and is found repeatedly in their wall art, carvings, pottery and other artifacts. It was closely associated with their gods, who were often depicted carrying the Ankh by its handle.
