Statue of the goddess Bastet

The world of the gods in Ancient Egypt was extremely multifaceted. They appear in animal or human form, or as humans with an animal’s head. Certain animals were specifically allocated to symbolise their superhuman power. Bastet, in cat form, represents the gentle form of the fierce Sekhmet and is kindly disposed towards the Egyptians; like equally gentle Hathor, who was associated with cattle, she was responsible for the carefree lives of the Egyptians.