Egyptian Silver Cat Pendant

Saite Period, 624-525 BC. A silver pendant depicting a sitting cat, Bastet, the goddess of the home, domesticity, women's secrets, cats, fertility and childbirth; seated on a tongue-shaped base, wearing a crescentic necklace, ribbed suspension loop to the rear. 6.54 grams, 20mm (3/4"). Property of a London lady, part of her family's Swiss collection; formerly acquired in the 1980s. Bastet was so popular that, in 525 BCE, when Cambyses II of Persia invaded Egypt, he made use of the goddess to force the Egyptians surrender. Knowing of their great love for cats and other animals, he had his soldiers paint the image of Bastet on their shields, gathered all the animals that could be found and drove them before the army towards the pivotal city of Pelusium. The Egyptians refused to fight for the fear of harming the animals and offending Bastet, and surrendered.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.