Bastet: The Egyptian Goddess of Home and Protection
Bastet is recognized as the Egyptian goddess associated with various aspects such as domesticity, women’s secrets, fertility, childbirth, and notably, cats. Her role was to shield the household from malevolent spirits and diseases, particularly those affecting women and children. In addition to her protective duties, Bastet was also intertwined with afterlife beliefs in ancient Egyptian religion.
Sometimes envisioned as a guide for the deceased, this was a secondary aspect of her character. As the daughter of Ra, the sun deity, she was linked to the Eye of Ra, symbolizing omniscience, and to the Distant Goddess, a deity who ventures away from Ra only to return for transformative purposes. Throughout ancient Egypt, she was among the most revered goddesses, looked upon as the guardian of family well-being.
Origins of Bastet’s Name
The name Bastet has undergone several transformations over time, starting from B’sst and evolving to Ubaste, Bast, and finally Bastet. The precise meaning remains a subject of debate among scholars. Geraldine Pinch posits that “her name probably means She of the Ointment Jar,” reflecting her association with protection and healing ointments. The Greeks saw parallels between Bastet and their own goddess Artemis, suggesting she too should have a twin, whom they correlated with Horus, the offspring of Isis, calling her Bast ba’Aset (literally “Soul of Isis”). Moreover, she was associated with the god Nefertum, symbolizing perfume and pleasant fragrances, further intertwining her essence with that of the ointment jar.
Cultural Significance and Associations
Bastet’s following exploded in popularity from the Second Dynasty (approximately 2890 – 2670 BCE) onward, with her cult centered in Bubastis, particularly in the 5th century BCE. Initially depicted as a lioness-headed woman, the imagery became increasingly nurturing over time. Both Bastet and her counterpart Sekhmet were seen as fierce protectors, evolving from their earlier depictions into more benevolent figures. Geraldine Pinch observes:
“From the Pyramid Texts onwards, Bastet embodies a duality of the nurturing caregiver and the fearsome avenger. This darker avatar is often referenced in texts concerning plagues and disasters.”
As her portrayal softened, she became a beloved companion figure, often represented simply as a domestic cat or a woman with feline features.
Despite being wholly adored, she also invoked fear, as seen with titles like The Lady of Dread and The Lady of Slaughter. Bastet is frequently depicted alongside Mau, a celestial cat linked to Ra, and Mafdet, the goddess of justice who was the earliest feline deity recorded in Egyptian lore.
Bastet’s Role in Religious Practices and Iconography
Bastet’s earliest representations date back to the 3rd millennium BCE in Lower Egypt as a lioness avenger. By the time of the Pyramid Texts, she was recognized as both a protective figure for the living and the dead. Richard H. Wilkinson writes that the iconography shifted towards a more gentle depiction, moving away from the ferocity associated with lioness deities.
Her temple in Bubastis evolved into a center of immense wealth and reverence, where many traveled to honor her. Artistic depictions of her took influence from earlier representations of Mafdet and also from Hathor, the nurturing goddess associated with Sekhmet. The sistrum, a musical instrument often held by Bastet in art, further connects her to Hathor, who underwent similar shifts from savagery to gentility.
The Tale of Setna and Taboubu
This narrative, stemming from Roman-era Egyptian literature, involves Prince Setna Khaemwaset, a figure notable for his contributions to Egyptian preservation efforts. In this tale, Setna, after plundering a tomb against warning, falls in love with Taboubu, the daughter of a priest of Bastet. His desires lead him into a web of deception. As Sketchy intentions intensify, he finds himself punished, implied as a manifestation of Bastet, illustrating her protective nature against those who trespass against divine order.
Ultimately, Setna realizes his punishment upon being humiliated before a pharaoh, showcasing the might of divine authority in the face of human folly. The interplay between his lustful intentions and the vengeance of a deity serves as a cautionary tale against viewing women solely as objects of desire.
Worship and Festivals of Bastet
Bastet’s primary cult center was Bubastis, where her status grew significantly over time. Renowned historian Herodotus noted the grandeur of her temple and the vibrant festivals dedicated to her worship. These celebrations were characterized by exuberant dancing, music, and apparent freedom from social constraints, culminating in a large communal gathering akin to modern-day carnivals.
During these festivities, people traveled in large groups, celebrating with joy and engaging in playful mockery of towns along their route. The gatherings at Bubastis attracted vast crowds, living testament to Bastet’s role as a protector and celebrator of women and family.
Bastet’s Legacy
Bastet’s enduring appeal stemmed from her association with domestic life, with men and women alike cherishing her for nurturing their loved ones. The presence of cats in households, known for pest control and companionship, only bolstered her significance. The goddess’s temple was the resting place for countless mummified cats, emphasizing the deep connection between the goddess and her feline companions.
The goddess even played a critical role during political strife, as seen when Cambyses II recognized her infinite influence on the people. Thus, they surrendered their city rather than risk harming the cats they revered, marking a moment of cultural importance that highlighted her esteemed status throughout Egyptian history and into the Roman Empire, long after her worship faced decline with the advent of Christianity.
