Thursday March 28th, 2024
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U.S. Museum Showcasing the Cats and Dogs of Ancient Egypt

Crazy about cats? You’re not alone. An exhibition dedicated mostly to Ancient Egyptian cats is being held in Atlanta, ending this fall.

Staff Writer

If you happen to love cats and be in Atlanta anytime from now until November 11, then be sure to check out "Devine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt" at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Atlanta.

The exhibition revolves around the role of cats in Ancient Egypt, featuring over 90 artifacts of the many cat statues and amulets that were crafted back then. From mummified cats, to jewelry and furniture, the Ancient Egyptians were not shy of expressing their extreme love for cats, displaying this love in forms of statues, furniture, amulets, and cat mummies and sarcophagi. The exhibition also features textiles and funeral objects that were crafted from the Middle Kingdom to the Roman period.

However, it does not just stop at cats; statues of lions are also displayed, as well as a room full of dogs. Cats, for the Egyptians, took the forefront of animal fondness. Lions were seen as royal and godlike, probably for their frightening ways, and dogs were guardians of the dead, as they were often spotted roaming cemeteries.

 





 

Doesn’t that just sound paw-some? Make sure to show a kitty some love today. Don't forget, those cats were once deity back in the day. You don't want to cross them. 

Images taken from Arts ATL.

Main image taken from NPR.