Lot 1A
Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A stunning mummified effigy in the shape of a falcon wrapped in several layers of fibrous linens. The rounded body bears a relatively uniform profile enrobed in beige-hued linens that taper downwards towards where the feet would be shown, and the shoulders bulge slightly outwards beneath the face. The falcon-form head is comprised of lighter colored cloth than the body, perhaps originally white, with a petite linen beak protruding from between wadjet eyes (also wedjat or Eye of Horus). Falcon mummies from the Late Dynastic Period were once identified as children because of their size until they were unwrapped. Mummified falcon effigies are suggestive of being someone's pet or perhaps an expensive offering to the falcon-headed gods Horus and Ra, though this example does not contain any avian remains. Size (falcon effigy): 9.25" L x 3.2" W (23.5 cm x 8.1 cm); (display case): 12.1" L x 4.1" W (30.7 cm x 10.4 cm)
While known primarily for mummifying humans, the ancient Egyptians also mummified their animals on a regular basis as well. In addition to house pets buried alongside their owners, a large market existed for mummified animals - from birds to cats and bulls to crocodiles - intended as sacred offerings to the many gods and goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon. The market for sacrificial animals for mummification was in fact so large that it necessitated an entire industry which researchers believe produced more than 70 million animal mummies between 800 BCE and 400 CE. As per X-ray analysis, however, this example showed that there were no avian remains or bones within the wrappings; only a petite, dense object within the center of the chest - perhaps an amulet - is present.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in March 2009; ex-Relics of the Nile, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; ex-Mike Sigler collection, Lexington, Kentucky, USA, purchased in 2000 from a private California, USA collection
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#149831
- Condition: Losses to wrappings and areas of lower body as shown. Minor fraying to some fibers along lower peripheries, with staining to original linen colors, and desiccation to remaining linens and body commensurate with age. Wonderful avian details and nice remains of pigment on face.
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