Sacred Cat Model

Cats played an important part in Ancient Egyptian daily life. The goddess Bastet was worshipped to symbolise strength, courage and protection. Cats and lionesses are often seen in Egyptian art and imagery, either as an animal or as a half human.  This cat goddess statue can be decorated with gold details and jewellery.

Sacred Cat Model

Skill Level

Beginner

Time to Make

1 hour + drying time for paint and Mod Roc.

Adult Supervision Needed

Yes

How to Make

  1. To make the cat’s body and head, cut off 2cm from the top of a polystyrene craft cone. Glue a 4cm polystyrene ball on the top. Cut 2 triangles from thick card for ears, glue onto the head and leave to dry.
  2. Cut about 20 strips of Mod Roc, 15 cm in length with a few longer 30cm strips. Dip the short strips into a bowl of water one at a time, gently squeeze out any excess water then place onto the cat smoothing the plaster over the ears, head and body. Twist longer strips of Mod Roc for the legs and press onto the front of the body, layering more strips over the top. Scrunch up a wet mod roc strip into a ball for the nose to build up the shape of the cat’s head. Shape the feet in the same way. Smooth the plaster and leave to dry.
  3. Cut an oval or rectangle for the base from corrugated card; make it big enough so the cat will fit on top. Cut another matching card shape then stick the 2 pieces together with masking tape.
  4. Paint the cat leave it to dry. Paint the base. Add another layer of paint onto the cat if there are any areas of white plaster showing. Leave to dry.
  5. To make the cat’s collar, cut out a 1/3 section from a cardboard plate. Cut away the middle area leaving the curved outer edge section, about 6cm wide. Paint it black, leave to dry then paint gold over the collar using a brush or a sponge dabber.
  6. Use a pencil to mark the position of the cat’s eyes then carefully paint over the eyes in gold. Add a gold nose and fill in the ears.
  7. Wrap the collar around the cat’s neck and glue the ends together. Hold the ends with a paperclip if they pull apart. Paint an amulet or some decoration on the body, below the collar. Cut a circle from metallic gold card for the earring, trim to fit the cat’s ear then glue it in place.
  8. To finish the statue, paint a gold pattern around the base and glue the cat on top.
Sacred Cat Model Sacred Cat Model Sacred Cat Model

Top Tip

When the Mod Roc has dried, look at the shape of the cat from the front and sides. If there are any areas which need changing or building up, add more Mod Roc strips and leave to dry again before painting. Disposable gloves will keep your hands clean while working with Mod Roc.

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