Animals in ancient Egyptian society
European Museums, The British MuseumAnimals in ancient Egyptian society
The rich and varied fauna of ancient Egypt played an important part in the lives of the inhabitants.
Domestication of certain animals was achieved as early as the 6th millennium B.C., and many were farmed for food, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Some of these, notably pigs and certain types of fish, were considered unclean on religious grounds. Animal products were put to many uses: hides and pelts were made into garments, and bone, shell, ivory, sinew, feathers and fat were not wasted. Oxen and horses were used as draught animals, donkeys to carry loads and as personal transport, and dogs for hunting. Dogs, cats, monkeys and gazelles were also kept as pets.
Animal forms were used in art to represent the characteristics of gods and goddesses. Generally the actual animal was not regarded as an incarnation of the god himself; however, there were exceptions, notably the Apis bull. Many animals were revered as representatives of deities; large numbers of cats, baboons, crocodiles, ibises and other creatures were kept on temple estates, to be mummified and presented as votive offerings to the gods by pilgrims.
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