Egyptian Bastis Cat-18TH Dynasty-1350 B.C.

SOLD

The domestic cat became highly regarded by Egyptian civilization as an animal of awe and wonder. Originating between five and six thousand years ago, domesticated cats came to be praised for their excellent mouse hunting abilities. The Egyptians found cats fascinating, even regarding them as godlike. Because cats were deeply respected, they were often mummified and even buried in great tombs with their owners. Finally, the Egyptian battle of Pelusium illustrates, better than any other example, the importance Egyptians placed on cats.

Indeed, so highly regarded were cats in Egyptian society that it was considered a high crime to kill a cat, punishable by death. Families owning cats took care that they received attention and respect.

Deep respect was given to cats even after they died. Whenever a household cat died, the entire family would go through a period of grief, shaving their eyebrows to mark their sadness. Deceased cats were very often mummified and entombed with fine jewelry and treasures; a custom usually reserved for only the most powerful and wealthy. Mummified rats and mice have even been found in cats' tombs, signaling the Egyptian belief in a cat afterlife.

George Nader was asked to be a guest at  the International Film Festival in Egypt, Hosted by President Nasser.  Nader is a Lebanese name and George happened to be President Nasser's favorite actor.  The event featured such talent as Roger Moore, Shelly Winters and Robert Conrad among others.  It was a major event.  President Nasser put the talent up in hotels, but asked George Nader to personally be his guest at his palace.  George happily agreed.  George Nader was given a V.I.P. tour of the Pyramids, The Sphinx, The Valley of the Kings  and the rest of the sights in the area.  Upon leaving he was presented with an array of gifts.  One of which was this piece.  This piece comes with a copy of the photo album of this trip and includes copies of Film Festival programs and  more.Thispiece and the other pieces of Egyptian Antiquities we have for sale were not looted, as most were, weather in recent years or long ago, but given as gifts by the then President Nasser To George Nader himself.  A true buy!!!!!!

You can see George sitting next to the cat in this photo.  The photograph is from the proof sheet he had when he was looking for a photo for the back cover flap of his book "Chrome".  He wrote on the photo "11 x 14 / don't enlarge / feature cat." The cat is sitting on top of his book.