Bast

Also rendered: Bastet

Greek: Bubastis

"She of the city of Bast"

Originally: lion-headed woman with uraeus, long sceptre, and ankh sign. Son: Maahes. Gained affiliation to other localities over time: in Memphis, possibly syncretised to Sekhmet, in Heliopolis as daughter of Atum, also associated with Hetharu, Mut, Aset.

Invoked in New Year gifts, perhaps because lioness goddesses associated with the perils of the Days Upon The Year.

Like most lioness goddesses: child-bearing and nurturing associations. Combined with cat's fertility, "nocturnal love-life", and apoptropaic symbolism.

Herodotus reports great festival at Bubastis wildly popular. Bawdy women shocked him.

"Housewife Bast" icons: cat-headed woman wearing tightly fitted, ankle-length patterned (often striped) dress, holding sistrum in one hand and aegis of Sekhmet or small figure of Nefertem in the other. Sometimes has round basket hanging from one elbow. May be accompanied by small cats or Bes.

(The Cat in Ancient Egypt)