Falcon sarcophagus. Dendera. Treasury of Dendera. Ptolemaic dynasty 305 30 BC Gold silver. Height 88 cm.
Sculpture

Falcon sarcophagus. Dendera

A unique sculpture of a falcon, consisting of two parts made of various precious metals – gold and silver, served as a sarcophagus for the mummy of a falcon. Thanks to the successful combination of the colors of these metals, the figure of a proud falcon looks elegant and spiritual, giving the impression of a bird ready to take off.

Mummification of sacred animals and their burials were carried out in special necropolises. It was very popular in later times, a large number of such cemeteries have been excavated at Saqqara. Among the mummified animals, such as, for example, the ibis bird (the bird of the god of wisdom Thoth), the cat (the sacred animal of the goddess Bastet), the crocodile (the god Sobek), the falcon, the personification of the god Horus, had a special place.

Falcon sarcophagus. Dendera. Treasury of Dendera. Ptolemaic dynasty 305 30 BC Gold silver. Height 88 cm.
Falcon sarcophagus. Dendera. Treasury of Dendera. Ptolemaic dynasty 305 30 BC Gold silver. Height 88 cm.

The proud appearance of this bird of prey attracted the attention of the Egyptians from ancient times, who perceived it as a deity of the sky. The outstretched wings of a soaring falcon were considered a symbol of the protection of the heavenly god. The main source of life emanating from heaven – the sun – was also associated with Horus and often appeared as a headdress on a falcon’s head. Of particular importance was the eye of the god Horus. According to the myth, in the struggle with his uncle Seth, who caused much harm to Horus’ father Osiris, the young Horus lost an eye, as a result of which the whole world plunged into darkness.
The restoration of world order and light is associated with the acquisition of the Horus eye, restored by the god Thoth.