Masterpiece, ancient Egyptian funerary intact preserved falcon mummy. From the Late Period (722-332 B.C). In ancient Egypt, falcons held a significant place in the religious and cultural beliefs of the society. They were closely associated with the sky god Horus and were believed to possess divine qualities. The practice of mummifying falcons stemmed from the reverence and importance given to these birds. The ancient Egyptians believed that mummifying a falcon ensured its eternal existence and preserved its connection to the divine realm. The process of mummification involved intricate rituals and careful preservation techniques. Falcons were carefully cleaned and their internal organs were removed. The body was then dried and treated with natron, a natural salt, to prevent decomposition. Once the preservation process was complete, the falcon was wrapped in linen bandages and placed in a decorated sarcophagus. The mummification of falcons served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was believed that by preserving the physical form of the falcon, its spiritual essence would endure and continue to protect and accompany the deceased in the afterlife. The falcon's association with Horus, the sky god and divine protector, further reinforced this belief. Additionally, mummified falcons were often offered as votive gifts to the gods, symbolising the devotion and reverence of the ancient Egyptians. These falcon mummies were not limited to a single species. The most common species mummified was the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), known for its speed and agility. However, other species such as the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) were also mummified due to their symbolic significance. Mummifying falcons in ancient Egypt not only reflected the religious and cultural beliefs of the society but also showcased the meticulous craftsmanship and reverence for the preservation of life. It was a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and animals, where falcons were revered as divine beings deserving of eternal existence. Today, these falcon mummies serve as important archaeological artefacts, offering valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian civilisation and their complex belief system. Acquired from a Spanish private collection, S.V.S in 1980. The piece includes authenticity certificate. DUE TO HOLIDAYS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SHIP THE PIECES FROM THE SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2024 FOR EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND COMPREHENSION. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged, this process can take between 2 and 4 weeks. IMPORTANT: Due to the new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland and United States of America. For other destinations out of European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive LICENSE EXPORTATION by the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subjected to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10 %.