Egyptian Cat Amulet

An image of two stone cats that are brownish-yellow with green on their chests. They are sitting on a grey background.
Egyptian cat amulet from the Eldon House collection. Image courtesy of Joe O'Neil

Country of Origin: Egypt
Year: ca. 2613-2181 BCE
Materials: Stone 

This piece is the oldest item in the Eldon House collection. It is likely from the Old Kingdom, also known as the “Age of the Pyramids,” in Egypt. The item is made of stone and was worn as an amulet.

Cats are interesting symbol in ancient Egyptian culture. They were often kept as pets or for pest control, but their characteristics were also aligned with various gods and goddesses including Bastet and Sekhmet, who are sometimes portrayed with feline features. Cats become associated with these deities and hold prominent places in Egyptian art and burial, sometimes being mummified alongside Egyptian people.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.