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Religion and religious symbolism, which permeated every aspect of the lives of ancient Egyptians, developed slowly over the more than three thousand years of ancient Egyptian history. The cycles of nature the annual flooding of the Nile and its ability to revive the parched earth, the rising and setting of the sun and moon, the birth and death of all living things all of these fueled the development of an elaborate belief system designed to explain the mysteries and desires of human beings on earth.
While the Egyptians believed their gods could not be seen, they expressed the nature of these gods in symbolic forms. For instance, while deities might be venerated in the form of living creatures apparent in the environment of Egypt (animals, birds, insects, serpents and fish), the Egyptians realized that they were only symbols of the unseeable.
The temples were the dwelling places of the gods where they received daily offerings. Only the king or his appointed priests could enter the temples to say prayers and present food, clothing, and precious oils to the gods.
Official and Private Ideology
The official or state religion was concerned with worshipping and placating the many gods associated with the cosmos, the natural environment, and the afterlife. Osiris, Isis, and Anubis were among these official deities who were recognized throughout Egypt. There were also many lesser gods who were venerated in various localities throughout Egypt. These gods were special to peasants and reflected personal concerns such as childbirth, fertility, good luck, or protection of the home.
Amulets
Amulets were decoratively carved objects made of metal, wood, faience, terracotta or stone that were believed to contain magical powers. They were thought to provide the wearer with supernatural benefits and charms. Amulets were worn as pendants, and were placed in linen mummy wrappings. Amulets often were made to resemble the head or full body of a particular animal, whose power traits were desired by the wearer. The most popular amulet styles were made of inexpensive faience.
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Bastet
bronze
© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
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The goddess Bastet was often depicted as a cat or a cat with a woman's body. As the goddess of joy and the protector of women, Bastet was a symbol of procreation, fertility, and sexuality in women. This statuette was probably intended as an offering to the goddess.
The city of Bubastis was the center for a cult of the goddess Bastet; many cemeteries filled with embalmed cats, dedicated by worshippers of the goddess, have been found there. The word "miu" was the ancient Egyptian word for cat!
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