Saqqara bird

Egypt holds countless treasures from the many ancient Pharaonic antiquities which reveal to the entire world the greatness of the Egyptian civilization and its innovations.

One of the most controversial discoveries is a small wooden model resembling a bird, dubbed the “Saqqara Bird.” 

This model has sparked and continues to spark the curiosity of scholars due to its mystery and the speculations surrounding it.

Its estimated date goes back more than two thousand years, approximately to the Ptolemaic period. 

In this article, we will discuss how this artifact was discovered, shed light on its shape, how it was made and the debate surrounding its alleged ability to fly.

What is the Saqqara bird?

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The Saqqara bird piece was found in 1898 during the excavation of the tomb of a person named Pa di Imen and the search for artifacts within it.

It is a small wooden artifact generally resembling the shape of a bird and it was mounted on a rectangular wooden piece like a rod or base. 

The Saqqara bird is characterized by its relative lightness, estimated at 39.12 grams, while its wingspan is estimated at 18 cm. However, archaeologists have not yet conclusively determined the purpose of its creation and function. 

It has been suggested that it might represent a falcon, as the falcon was a sacred and important bird for the ancient Egyptians, representing the god Horus and the sun god Ra-Horakhty.

It is also possible that it is a symbolic idea suggesting flight, a model for a weather vane, or simply a small toy for children.

Where was the Saqqara bird found?

The Saqqara bird was found in one of the Egyptian Pharaonic tombs dating back to the Late or Ptolemaic period in the vast Saqqara area in the Giza Governorate, during the search for Pa di Imen’s tomb and the excavation of artifacts within it, as mentioned. 

It is considered one of the most mysterious discoveries which opens horizons for questioning and debate about the true purpose of making this small historical artifact.

Some archaeologists have called it the “Mysterious Bird,” as significant mysteries still surround it and no one has yet definitively determined its real purpose.

What was the Saqqara bird made of?

The Saqqara bird is considered a simple wooden model, but it demonstrates the skill of the craftsman and ancient Egyptian art in carving.

It is made from one of the best types of local wood, sycamore wood which is a wooden material typically characterized by its relative hardness and ease of shaping and carving, giving the ancient Egyptian artist the opportunity to create and innovate with the bird. 

One of the main reasons for choosing sycamore wood is that it was abundant in this region of Egypt, making it perhaps the optimal and easiest choice for creating these mysterious and small artifacts.

The bird also has level and straight wings and tail and it was originally mounted on a wooden base.

What does the Saqqara bird look like?

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The Saqqara bird features a largely simple design, but it perhaps illustrates the concept of movement or streamlining.

It appears to be a model sculpted and designed with relative precision to achieve the general shape of a bird which has wings spread horizontally. 

Perhaps the most striking part is the shape of its head which appears relatively large compared to the body.

Also, the shape of its beak seems hooked downwards, differing entirely from the beaks of other known birds.

Its total length is estimated at 14 centimeters. 

Its tail has some small holes of unclear purpose and is characterized by its horizontal straight shape.

This mysterious bird has raised many questions and discussions about its type: does it represent a falcon or some other bird, or is it a symbolic model or part of a larger mechanism?

Was the Saqqara bird capable of flight?

The Saqqara bird has a streamlined shape that might suggest to some an attempt to simulate the form of flight, due to the design of its flat, straight, outstretched wings and its straight tail.

Despite this apparent shape, it is almost certain that it was not made to actually fly.

It was definitely incapable of real flight or even gliding reasonable distances, because it is made of sycamore wood which is a solid and relatively heavy wood for its size. 

This structurally and dynamically rendered it incapable of flying and soaring due to its weight and the lack of essential flight requirements.

There is also no scientific or archaeological evidence indicating that it was part of a flying machine or capable of flight.

As some aviation specialists have stated, the model lacks the necessary aerodynamic surfaces for lift and steering or other important modifications for flight. 

It is highly probable that this artifact is a toy or votive model which has several symbolic or religious connotations, or perhaps just a piece of some other tool like a weather vane and was not intended to indicate the idea of flight in the literal sense.

Saqqara bird in the Egyptian Museum

The Saqqara bird holds a distinctive and famous place in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, located in the center of Cairo Governorate.

This small and mysterious wooden artifact made of sycamore wood is displayed on the upper floor in Hall 22.

You might find it placed alongside many models of birds and animals that indicate wildlife and religious beliefs in ancient Egypt. 

However, the Saqqara bird remains a perplexing puzzle that intrigues the curiosity and confusion of scholars and enthusiasts alike.

For this reason, it has gained special importance and great popularity among all visitors, researchers and archaeologists interested in ancient mysteries.

The Saqqara bird is considered a unique archaeological model that has attracted the interest of many researchers and enthusiasts, due to the inconclusive determination of its true purpose.

It is a small artifact made of sycamore wood, currently on display in the Egyptian Museum. So, do not hesitate to visit the Egyptian Museum to see this mysterious artifact for yourself and form your own opinion.

FAQs

Is the Saqqara Bird debunked?

It cannot be said that it has been “debunked” in the literal sense, but experts and researchers have differed in its interpretation and offered various different suggestions due to its ambiguity and the lack of a clear context.

Some conspiracy theorists have claimed that the bird demonstrates the ancient Egyptians’ achievement of advanced aviation sciences. However, the majority of other Egyptologists have said these are just incorrect suggestions lacking evidence.

What is the sacred bird of Egypt?

The most famous sacred bird in ancient Egypt is undoubtedly the falcon.

It is one of the most prominent birds they used as a symbol for venerating some of their most important deities, as it primarily represented the god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris and the sun god Ra in his composite form Ra-Horakhty.

What are the 4 birds that Cannot fly?

There are many types of birds that cannot fly. Among the most famous and largest in size are the ostrich, the Australian emu, the New Zealand kiwi and the dangerous cassowary. Some of them manage to run very quickly instead of flying.

Did Egyptians mummify birds?

Yes, certainly. Among the birds whose mummies have been found and mummified in large numbers are the sacred ibis, falcons, owls, chickens and other birds.

Some were mummified as offerings to the gods in temples, or as part of food offerings for the deceased in the afterlife, or as votive offerings to various deities.