Swan

The Swan in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Axy// or //Dndn//

Unlike various kinds of geese and ducks, swans are not indigenous to Egypt. Only occasionally do the Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, and the Whooper Swan stray into the country, wintering there. Depictions of them in ancient Egyptian art are accordingly rare. In the tomb of Kagemni a man is shown force-feeding what looks like a swan, while another swan is trying to bite the man. Three life-size wooden statues of swans have been found, placed in tombs.

The Waterfowl of Ancient Egypt