Although humans have been the main subjects for mummification,
animals were also mummified too. Many of the mummies found were
animals that were cherished pets or mummies used as offerings to the
gods. Such animals included cats, monkeys, hawks, and even small
insects such as the praying mantis. Often times, animal mummies were
overlooked when it came to deciphering the culture of the Ancient
Egyptians.
This has proved to be a wrong tactic because many of the mummies
unearthed are revealing a lot about the Egyptians. Scientists and
Egyptologist are taking a second look at these mummies for that
reason.
The Egyptians loved their pets and went to great lengths to keep
them forever. Many of the common pets mummified were dogs, cats and
monkeys. These animals were mummified and in most cases, careful
effort was used to preserve them. The pets were depicted on tomb
walls and were shown eating food or sitting under the chair of the
deceased owner. Other depictions show the pets retrieving wild game
shot down by their owners. Through these depictions we are able to
see that pets were prized and loved just the same as in our modern
societies.
Animal mummies were also used as offerings to gods and were
important when making offerings. Some gods, such as Horus, who is
represented by a falcon, was often left offerings. Often times it
was difficult to breed falcons so sacrificial offerings were caught.
If a falcon could not be offered to Hours, a false mummy was often
constructed. This was quite common and done regularly.
Animal mummies were also used as offerings to gods and were important when making offerings. Some gods, such as Horus, who is represented by a falcon, was often left offerings. Often times it was difficult to breed falcons so sacrificial offerings were caught.
If a falcon could not be offered to Hours, a false mummy was often
constructed. This was quite common and done regularly.
This fake mummy could have been made from similar animals such as
hawks or common birds. If nothing could be caught then mud was used.
Because animal mummies were highly sought the demand could have been
difficult to meet. As a result perhaps our fake mummies are the
result of fraudulent activity.
