Murr 10578

Murr 10578
Description:
Name: Murr 10578
Species: Felis catus (domestic cat)
Breed: Not specified
Age: Unknown
Historical:
Year of discovery: 1999
Place of discovery: British Museum, London, England
Archaeological importance:
Murr 10578 is a well-preserved cat mummy dating to the Late New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt (ca. 1295-1069 BC).
It was discovered wrapped in a coffin under the floor of the British Museum, which was once the site of the Egyptian tomb of Nebamun and Ipuky.
Features:
The mummy is about 40 cm long.
The cat's fur is visible under the wrappings, and the mummy retains its paw prints.
An X-ray of the mummy revealed that it contained the skeletal remains of an adult cat.
The wrappings contain amulets and hieroglyphics, indicating that the cat was mummified with great care.
Cultural Significance:
Cats were sacred animals in Ancient Egypt and were associated with the goddess Bastet.
Mummification of cats was a common practice as the Egyptians believed that this would ensure their safe passage into the afterlife.
The discovery of Murr 10578 provides insight into the spiritual importance of cats in Ancient Egypt.
Display:
Murr's mummy 10578 is on display in the British Museum in the Anubis Collection, Room 63 (Egypt, Babylon and Assyria).