Polleke (cat)
| Species | Felis catus |
|---|---|
| Sex | unknown |
| Died | ca. 1440–1460 Breda, Duchy of Brabant |
| Known for | Mummified cat found in the Grote Kerk Breda |
| Named after | John II, Lord of Polanen and reflects the Flemish heritage of the church's original builders |
Polleke (died ca. 1440-1460) is the name of a 15th-century mummified cat that was discovered in 1906 inside the walls of the Grote Kerk in Breda, Netherlands. The cat is believed to have been deliberately sealed into the church’s structure as a foundation sacrifice—a ritual believed to protect buildings from evil spirits. In 2025, the cat was officially named Polleke and returned to public display in the church.
History
[edit]Discovery
[edit]In 1906, during restoration work on the Grote Kerk, builders discovered a mummified cat enclosed between two walls on the church's north side. The cat was removed and preserved by restoration architect M.A. van Nieukerken, who kept it in a glass display case in his home. A note accompanying the cat mentioned that it was shown at cat exhibitions and frequently drew attention.[1]
1916 Exhibition and disappearance
[edit]The cat was exhibited in 1916 at a cat show in the Hague Zoo, where it was displayed as a curiosity. After that, the cat's whereabouts were unknown for many decades.[1]
Rediscovery and research
[edit]In 2020, the Grote Kerk received a message from the Huys te Warmond Foundation near Leiden. The cat had been found in an attic and was offered back to the church. Extensive scientific analysis followed, including CT scanning and radiocarbon dating. Researchers concluded with over 95% certainty that the cat dated to around 1440–1460, the same period during which that section of the church was built.[2]
Current display
[edit]Since 18 June 2025, Polleke has been on public display in the Grote Kerk Breda. The mummified cat is exhibited in a historic wooden box, inside a climate-controlled glass case to ensure preservation for future generations.[1]
Ritual significance
[edit]Historians believe the cat was used as a building sacrifice—an old ritual in which animals or objects were embedded in buildings to ward off evil. According to the director of the church, Marieke Wiegel, it is unlikely the cat was entombed alive, as its posture and condition show no signs of struggle. The practice is linked to medieval beliefs in which cats were associated with the devil, and sealing one in a wall symbolized protection against evil.[3]
Naming contest
[edit]In 2025, the church organized a naming contest involving schoolchildren from Breda. Out of 847 entries, the name Polleke was chosen. The winning submission came from a 12-year-old student who was inspired by John II, Lord of Polanen, a 14th-century nobleman associated with the founding of the Grote Kerk. The name also reflects the Flemish heritage of the church's original builders and has a gender-neutral quality in Dutch, appropriate given the unknown sex of the cat.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Mummiekat Polleke". Grote Kerk Breda. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "Zeshonderd jaar oude mummiekat terug in Grote Kerk: 'Freaky, maar cool'" [600-year-old mummified cat returns to Grote Kerk: 'Freaky, but cool']. Omroep Brabant. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "Na dik een eeuw terug in Grote Kerk Breda: een 600 jaar oude mummiekat" [600-year-old mummified cat returns to Grote Kerk Breda]. NOS. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ^ "De kat die uit de muur kwam: zeshonderd jaar oud mysterie eindigt met naam Polleke" [600-year-old cat mystery ends with name Polleke]. Algemeen Dagblad. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.