From cats to cows to crocodiles, ancient Egyptians worshipped many animal gods

Associated with Sekhmet this ferocious lioness-headed deity brought pharaohs fortune in war. It is believed that this gilded wooden lioness, forming the structure of the 14th-century B.C. bed in Tutankhamun’s tomb, is that of Mehit. Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The god of mummification, and the patron god of lost souls, Anubis is depicted (either as a jackal or as a man with a jackal’s head) in tombs as early as Egypt’s 1st dynasty. This figurine is from the tomb of Tutankhamun. 14th century B.C. Egyptian Museum, Cairo

This lion-headed goddess and daughter of Re set out to slaughter humanity and had to be placated. She was also associated with medicine. This 14th-century B.C. statue comes from the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III in Thebes. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The name of this canine god, flanked here by two cobras, means “opener of the way.” His main role was to guide souls through the afterlife. Some Egyptologists think Anubis evolved from him; if so, both continued to have separate roles, and they are often depicted facing one another. Louvre Museum, Paris.

Originally a lioness goddess, Bastet was later depicted as a milder domestic cat. Bronze figurines of Bastet would be laid as votive offerings. This bronze statue is from the eighth to fourth centuries B.C. Egyptian Museum, Berlin