This kitsch shelf in my living-room [click photo to enlarge] has developed over time into a 'cat altar' as various statues of cats have been added. Some I purchased; others were given as gifts. The center -- and the first image I bought - is that of Bastet, the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, the divine patron of joy and celebration . Notice that, due to an unfortunate accident, Bastet wears as a purse the sistrum or musical rattle which she is supposed to hold in her hand.Under Bastet is a little bowl of appropriate offerings such as a mouse and ball. On the bottom on her two sides are Egyptian guardians: another cat and the sacred cattle Tutankowman. Bastet is surrounded by other images of cats and a few Native American items as 'filler.' Most recent is the gray porcelain cat on the right which was left on my doorstep by an anonymous admirer the other day.
