Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Hawk Mummy

30 B.C.E.–395 C.E.

1 of 2

Object Label

The hawk mummy, with an elaborate pattern of dyed and undyed linen, comes from the Egypt Exploration Fund excavations in Abydos in 1913. The brown dye was made from iron-bearing clay. This pattern and dying technique help identify other animal mummies as being from this site.

The falcon mummy, with undyed linen wrapped in concentric circles around it, has no known burial site. Scholars hope eventually to be able to identify the site or sites where this second wrapping technique was used, revealing more about this mummy than is currently known.

Caption

Hawk Mummy, 30 B.C.E.–395 C.E.. Animal remains, linen, 16 1/2 × 4 7/8 × 2 5/8 in. (41.9 × 12.4 × 6.7 cm) as mounted: 4 1/2 x 8 7/8 x 20 3/4 in. (11.4 x 22.5 x 52.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 13.1092. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Hawk Mummy

Date

30 B.C.E.–395 C.E.

Period

Roman Period

Medium

Animal remains, linen

Classification

Remains, Animal

Dimensions

16 1/2 × 4 7/8 × 2 5/8 in. (41.9 × 12.4 × 6.7 cm) as mounted: 4 1/2 x 8 7/8 x 20 3/4 in. (11.4 x 22.5 x 52.7 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of the Egypt Exploration Fund

Accession Number

13.1092

Frequent Art Questions

  • We’re any of these found before x-rays existed?

    Many of these mummies were found before x-rays existed, yes. With new x-ray technologies we can learn more and more about them!
    So they physically opened them up, at first?
    In the past, some mummies were opened, yes. Many were left in tact, though and we are only now able to see inside of them with modern imaging technologies.
    Thanks! You guys are always so great about answering my million questions.

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