Falcon hood

The archaeological complex of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is notable not only in Lithuania but also in Europe for the abundance of leather artifacts. All of these objects testify to the practice of falconry among the medieval elite, where trained birds of prey were used to catch game.

The presented hunting bird hood was discovered in 2006. It is made from thin, soft calf leather. The design is simple and undecorated, suggesting it was intended for everyday use.

It should be noted that hunting with birds of prey was especially favored by our rulers, Vytautas the Great and Jogaila. Long hunting expeditions served as occasions to discuss political matters and conduct negotiations. Interestingly, even Jogaila’s tomb monument in Kraków’s Wawel Cathedral (Poland) is adorned with sculptures of hunting dogs and falcons.

The falcon hood can be seen in the permanent exhibition of the museum on Route I.