Bastet

The Protective Cat Goddess

Embroidery of an ancient Egyptian deity, with a large red and orange sun-disc head, green and gold jewelry, seated on a block, holding a scepter, with hieroglyphics on the wall behind.

This embroidery depicts Bastet, the cat-headed goddess of Ancient Egypt. Associated with fertility, protection, and music, Bastet is shown here holding a sistrum (a sacred rattle) and an ankh (the key of life). The sun disk above her head symbolizes her connection to life energy.

Collection: The Musician Goddesses Collection


Technique: Embroidered on alpaca fabric using back stitch, stem stitch, Turkish stitch, Chinese embroidery (silk shading), chain stitch, and bead embellishment.


Inspiration: Egyptian reliefs and paintings

Sistrum

Typically made of metal, the sistrum consists of an upright handle attached to a frame that holds metal rods or jingles. When shaken, these elements strike each other to produce sound. In ancient Egypt, the sistrum was used in religious ceremonies, especially in rituals dedicated to feminine deities such as Hathor and Isis. The sound of the instrument was believed to please the gods and ward off evil spirits. It also symbolized the flooding of the Nile, fertility, and the cycle of life. The sistrums in this collection were acquired in two ways: the wooden one was purchased in Cairo in 2009, and the metal one was crafted in 2018 by the luthier F. Obul, who made it upon commission.

A vintage metal and wood device with sliding disks and hooks, resembling a woodworking tool or decorative object.
A wooden shoehorn with a built-in black plastic display of six hand weights arranged vertically.