Ancient Egypt, Late Period Wood Ancient Egyptian Wooden Falcon - 11 cm

14
days
16
hours
29
minutes
28
seconds
Current bid
€ 53
Reserve price not met
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 750 - € 1,000
GR
€53
GB
€50
US
€2

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An Ancient Egyptian wooden falcon from the Late Period (c. 600–100 BC), measuring 11 × 8 × 14 cm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Carved wooden figure of a falcon, attributed to the Egyptian Late Period, circa 700–300 BC. The bird is represented in a calm, upright posture and displays the compact form characteristic of Egyptian falcon representations, with a pronounced breast, wings resting closely against the sides of the body, and a long, tapering tail.

The head is slightly raised. The eye remains clearly defined, lending expression to the otherwise strongly stylised head. The wings are modelled separately from the body and follow its elongated contours.

The Falcon in Ancient Egyptian Religion

The falcon was one of the most important animals in ancient Egyptian iconography and was particularly associated with the god Horus. As a sky and kingship deity, Horus was closely connected with the pharaoh and the divine legitimacy of royal authority. Representations of falcons therefore remained an important element of Egyptian religious imagery over many centuries.

Wooden animal figures could have served as votive offerings, cult objects, or components of larger religious ensembles. The precise original function of the present example can no longer be determined with certainty.

The surface displays a pronounced dark brown to almost black aged patina, with earthy and mineral deposits. Areas of lighter wood remain visible in places. The irregular aged surface and surviving deposits contribute to the archaeological character of the object.

The figure is mounted on an older rectangular wooden base.

Age-related condition with pronounced patina, deposits, surface wear, drying cracks, and minor losses. The beak area is chipped and partially lost. Mounted on an older wooden base. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.

Carved wooden figure of a falcon, attributed to the Egyptian Late Period, circa 700–300 BC. The bird is represented in a calm, upright posture and displays the compact form characteristic of Egyptian falcon representations, with a pronounced breast, wings resting closely against the sides of the body, and a long, tapering tail.

The head is slightly raised. The eye remains clearly defined, lending expression to the otherwise strongly stylised head. The wings are modelled separately from the body and follow its elongated contours.

The Falcon in Ancient Egyptian Religion

The falcon was one of the most important animals in ancient Egyptian iconography and was particularly associated with the god Horus. As a sky and kingship deity, Horus was closely connected with the pharaoh and the divine legitimacy of royal authority. Representations of falcons therefore remained an important element of Egyptian religious imagery over many centuries.

Wooden animal figures could have served as votive offerings, cult objects, or components of larger religious ensembles. The precise original function of the present example can no longer be determined with certainty.

The surface displays a pronounced dark brown to almost black aged patina, with earthy and mineral deposits. Areas of lighter wood remain visible in places. The irregular aged surface and surviving deposits contribute to the archaeological character of the object.

The figure is mounted on an older rectangular wooden base.

Age-related condition with pronounced patina, deposits, surface wear, drying cracks, and minor losses. The beak area is chipped and partially lost. Mounted on an older wooden base. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.

Details

Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
Late Period, c. 600–100 BC
Name of object
Ancient Egyptian Wooden Falcon
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Wood
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
11 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
8 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
14 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
GermanyVerified
495
Objects sold
97.14%
Private

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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