Statuette of a mummified falcon

This carved wooden and painted figurine, also known as the akhom falcon, represents the funerary god Sokar in the form of a mummified falcon with a base. The god was primarily the protective god of the Memphite necropolis. Later, in the New Kingdom, it already owned a region in the underworld, where Ra transformed and reborn during his nocturnal journey. The posture of this small falcon could also indicate the transformation as if it is just being reborn from its red mummy bandages. Perhaps it also indicates the transfiguration necessary for the rebirth of Ra and for every blessed deceased in Osiris’s realm. The painting of the statue wore off on the right side, and the reddish painting of the base is still clearly visible. The emblem on its head is missing, only the hole indicates that it was once inserted there. On the chest, there is a wide collar (menit collar) with a counterpoise on its back. The yellow painting on the bird’s neck refers to the gilding of the necklace, while the decoration and pendant of the jewellery have worn off from the chest. Wooden falcons such as this one were usually attached to the top of wooden coffins or canopic chests or the base of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris statues.