Social History — 1870-1890
Cat, animal remains
This mummified cat was discovered at Tatty's tobacco manufacturers in the Minories. Traditionally, it was thought that cats warded off evil spirits. This is one of the common explanations why they are sometimes found behind walls in old houses. Another theory is that dead cats were placed there to frighten off vermin such as mice. They have even been found with a rat in their mouth. No doubt a number of cats were just walled up by accident when houses were under construction.
- Category:
- Social History
- Object ID:
- 77.142
- Object name:
- cat, animal remains
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- 1870-1890
- Material:
bone, fur, skin
- Measurements/duration:
- L 480 mm, W 270 mm, D 80 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.