Cats Under Wraps

Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and that people would need their bodies in the afterlife. About 4,500 years ago, around 2600 B.C., they started turning people into mummies as a way to preserve their bodies (see “How to Make a Mummy,” below).

About 1,000 years later, the Egyptians began using the same process to preserve animals.

“Millions of dogs, cats, birds, and other animals were mummified by the Egyptians,” explains Yekaterina Barbash. She is an expert on Egyptian art at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City.

Cats were among the most commonly mummified animals. One reason they were preserved might seem familiar to cat owners today: For many Egyptians, cats were beloved household pets. When their cats died, owners sometimes shaved off their own eyebrows as a sign of mourning. And some had their pets mummified so they could stay together in the afterlife.

Ancient Egyptians didn’t preserve cats only because they were snuggly or cute. They also believed cats and other animals were sacred and had a special connection to the Egyptian gods and goddesses. Some gods were shown in the form of a certain animal because they were thought to have similar qualities. Bastet, for example, had the body of a woman and the head of a cat.

“Just as cats take care of their kittens, Bastet was warm and motherly,” says Barbash.

The Egyptians tried to please Bastet by presenting her with cat mummies and statues. They hoped she would grant them long life and good health in return.

Thousands of years later, those offerings teach us about history. Experts hope to soon find more clues to the past behind a sealed door found near the tomb.

“Every new discovery gives us insight into the culture and beliefs of ancient Egyptians,” says Barbash.

1. Why did the ancient Egyptians make mummies?

2. Who was Bastet? Explain the significance of her appearance.

3. How does the sidebar “How to Make a Mummy” relate to the article?