Royal Egyptian Artifact – "القطة البنية المصرية" (al-Qiṭṭa al-Bunniyya al-Miṣriyya) – "Brown Egyptian Cat"

story:

The Brown Egyptian Cat had the ability to hear the whispers of the earth itself, sensing the movement of spirits and the shifting of sands. She was the guardian of secrets, protecting the resting places of Egypt's greatest rulers and the treasures that lay within. It was said that any who dared disturb the sanctity of the tombs would find themselves followed by her silent, but ever-watchful gaze.

Legends tell of a young thief who, driven by greed, sought to rob the tombs of their riches. He entered the tomb of a long-dead Pharaoh, intending to steal a golden artifact said to hold the power of eternal life. As he ventured deeper into the tomb, a strange chill filled the air. The deeper he went, the more oppressive the silence became — until he suddenly felt eyes upon him.

Turning, he saw the brown cat — her amber eyes glowing in the dim light. She did not move, but he could feel her presence as though she were a force of nature itself. The thief’s heart began to race, his breath quickened, but he could not turn back. The cat’s gaze was unyielding, and the shadows seemed to deepen around him.

Suddenly, the tomb’s door slammed shut with a deafening sound. The thief attempted to flee, but the cat appeared before him once more, her fur rippling like the sands in the wind, her eyes piercing through his very soul. He felt his strength draining away, and a voice, deep and ancient, whispered through the chambers: “None may take what is not theirs.”

Material:

Pharaonic schist:

Refers to a variety of metamorphic stones widely used by the ancient Egyptians from 3100 to 30 BC. This stone is characterized by its layered composition, which facilitates its shaping and carving. Schist is composed of minerals such as mica, chlorite, and talc, giving it a lustrous sheen and a smooth surface. These qualities made it a valuable material for fine sculptures, ritual objects, and funerary items. The ancient Egyptians preferred schist for its ability to support intricate carvings, making it a prime material for temple statues, stelae, and tomb artifacts, which often held religious significance.

DIMENSIONS:

L: 3.2   inches

D: 5.1  inches

H: 8.3  inches

weight:  2 lb