The meaning of animal mummification

The meaning of animal mummification

There has been much guesswork about the exact relationship Egyptians had towards animals. So far no study has given any hints of a relationship that would significantly differ from the one found in any other civilisation.

Certain animal species were considered only as a source of food and hunting objects, other species were raised and protected, while others again were perceived as pets. Some animal species were cult objects, like the Apis Bull, the Sacred Ibis and crocodiles that were kept in special conditions in temples.

The life of such animals was filled with human attention and we might conclude that the attitude of Egyptians was similar to the attitude we have today towards cats and dogs that are made pretty for participating at beauty contests, or towards thoroughbred race-horses.