Ancient Falconry

Falconry and religion

Several researchers have offered a religious or symbolic explanation for the presence of the numerous bird-of-prey remains at the later prehistoric sites of the Near and Middle East. The idea is supported by the ritualistic importance attached by many cultures in historical times to birds of prey - perhaps the most famous being the Plains Indians of North America, with their large eagle-feather head-dresses. In the vast majority of cases, they practise cultural or religious rituals where wild birds of prey are captured and killed.

Recent evidence from the Kirghiz of Central Asia shows that falconry has played a major role in their religious beliefs. The Kirghiz believed the eagle to be the ancestor of the shaman - the priest who used magic to heal the sick and control the future. Because shamans were believed to be the first hunters, all hunters were also considered to be saints. When a pregnant woman experienced difficulty in childbirth, shamans thought an evil spirit caused her suffering. A strong brave berkhut (tame golden eagle) was brought to her bedside, since the evil spirits were thought to be afraid of its eyes. The killing of a fox by the berkhut was also perceived to be a symbol of fertility.

The hunt itself was also subject to set rituals: "the night before the hunt, the berkutcheu [eagle falconer] washes himself, abstains from any sexual involvement or alcohol and the berkhut is fed only white meat washed to rid it of blood".

So it is quite possible that falconry (the management and training of live birds of prey) may have served a dual spiritual and utilitarian role at these early sites.

Falconry, foraging and farming

How can a study of the antiquity of falconry possibly contribute to our understanding of human society and culture in the late Stone Age, as the last Ice Age drew to a close?