Mummified animal, Falcon, Ancient Egypt
Production date
0310 BCE-0290 BCE
Country
Egypt
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Object detail
Description
Mummified Falcon. Complete bird, which has been wrapped in linen, with areas of dark tarry fabric. Some areas of linen cut away to expose the bird feathers and body.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Egyptian mummified hawk
Production date
0310 BCE-0290 BCE
Production place
Measurements
L340mm x W120mm
Media/Materials description
Bone (Animal Remains)
Common or European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Sparrowhawk (Accipoter nisus)
Feathers (Animal Remains)
Linen (cloth)
Common or European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Sparrowhawk (Accipoter nisus)
Feathers (Animal Remains)
Linen (cloth)
History and use
Mummification and mummy wrapping were skills not just reserved for human bodies. In ancient Egypt, a wide variety of animals were mummified, ranging from mice to bulls. Cats, dogs, snakes, baboons, and especially birds were the most popular mummified animals. Mummified animals were usually bought as offerings to particular gods. Thus, a cat may be offered to Bastet, an Ibis to Thoth, a falcon to Horus. Sacred to Horus, the falcon was thought to be the guardian of the ruler, and is frequently found spreading its wings protectively behind the head of the Pharoah.
Registration number
H15601.2
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