Bastet with lion-headed aegis and basket. Dimensions: H. 10.6 cm (4 3/16 in.); W. 3.3 cm (1 5/16 in.); D. 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.). Date: 664-30 B.C..Bastet, here shown as a cat-headed goddess, was a powerful protective figure who also was known for her fertility. She could be represented with a lion head as well, but as a cat-headed goddess her peaceful traits were emphasized. Her personal adornments and garments are elaborate on statuettes, often more so than other goddesses, and she usually carries numerous attributes. This figure holds a protective lion-headed aegis and probably once held a sistrum in her other hand. She carries a basket on her other arm. A suggestion that the basket held kittens seems unfounded, but statuettes of this type do sometimes show the goddess with kittens in front of her, alluding to her fertility. In addition to her many attributes, her ears are pierced for earrings, probably gold originally, and her dress has a complex herring-bone pattern. Bastet does not