Falconry as living human heritage

Links between falconry and Hungarians’ ancestors date back several thousands of years; the practice is part of Hungarian consciousness and has been present throughout our entire history. Many depictions, written records, sculptures and monuments bear witness to a thriving culture of falconry in Hungary. Falconry is the traditional practice of keeping and training falcons to take quarry. It also involves a lifestyle and community life focusing on the discipline; it requires a love of birds of prey and of nature, a knowledge of hunting, training, breeding and raising predatory birds, of making and using traditional falconry equipment, the promotion of traditions, mentoring and teaching. Falconry is passed on as a cultural tradition through a variety of means, including mentoring, learning within families and formalised training in clubs. In December 2012 it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

More details: http://www.hungarikum.hu/hu/solymászat-mint-élő-emberi-örökség