‘Divine Felines’ at the Smithsonian

As cat lovers you’ve no doubt heard the quote: “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” ~ Terry Pratchett. The ancient Egyptians held cats in the highest esteem, and the penalties for injuring or killing a cat were severe. They even worshipped a Cat Goddess called Bastet, who was half feline, half woman. Need we wonder where the cats of today inherited their cat-itude?  >^..^<

We have some exciting news to share that celebrates and honors our own “divine felines”… the Smithsonian Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. is hosting an exhibition starting on Oct. 14, 2017 that is called – “Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt.” Through world-famous Egyptian works of art, this exhibition explores the celebrated roles of cats in Ancient Egypt.

Cat coffins and representations of the cat-headed goddess Bastet are among the extraordinary objects that reveal felines’ critical role in ancient Egyptian religious, social and political life. Dating from the Middle Kingdom to the Byzantine period, works include statues, amulets and other luxury items decorated with feline features, which enjoyed special status among Egyptians.

The Divine Felines exhibit is sponsored by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars Petcare company as a means to showcase and celebrate the special relationship between cats and their owners.

“Divine Felines” opened to the public on Oct. 14, 2017 as part of the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery reopening weekend celebration. Running through until Jan. 15, 2018, the exhibition showcases 80 objects from the Brooklyn Museum’s renowned Egyptian collection as well as other ancient Egyptian feline artifacts from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

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About Mars Petcare

Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world’s largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world’s most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Food and Treats for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, IAMS™ Pet Food, SHEBA® Entrees for Cats, WHISKAS® Food for Cats, GREENIES™ Dental Chews and PILL POCKETS™ Treats, NUTRO™ Pet Food, EUKANUBA™ Pet Food and TEMPTATIONS™ Treats for Cats, as well as exclusive brands products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S.  For more information, please visit Mars.com

 

6 Comments

  1. Cindy Jones October 11, 2017
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