Social diversity and human-animal relationships in late 1st millennium Egypt: care, upkeep, access and cultic practice in the falcon hypogeum of Djedhor of Athribis at Quesna

Thirty-three animal necropolises in Egypt have evidence for raptors, and Quesna is one of the most recently excavated examples, where falcons dominate. Where did these falcons, other birds of prey, and other bird/animal species found at Quesna, originate? Wild caught, tamed, or farmed? How were the falcons and other species treated through their lifetimes—did falcons have preferential treatment?
Faunal remains from our previous excavations indicate that most falcons at Quesna are indigenous to Egypt. However, each area of the animal necropolis has a range of falcon, and other, species (mainly shrews and rodents), all varying in their treatment at death. Differing textual evidence on seal impressions in areas of the hypogeum suggests their use at different times, and text may mirror cult administrative changes. The varied treatment of species, and presence/absence of containers, may provide an insight into social inclusiveness and access to this cult amongst the wider community.