Existing comment:
Animal Mummification:
As well as the baboon, falcon, and cat, animals such as the ibis, crocodile, bull, ram, and snake were mummified. During the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC), sacred animals were bred on the temple grounds for sacrifice as votive offerings. Believers paid temple priests to mummify the animals, which were then dedicated to various gods as requests for assistance or as thanks for help received. Often animal mummies were placed within reliquaries, like the falcon-shaped one in this case, which were dedicated in temples. Cats, associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of pregnant women, were frequently mummified and buried as votive gifts in extensive cemeteries at Bubastis, the deity's cult center. Animal mummifications reached its peak during the Late Period (747-332 BC). |