The “Most Beautiful Falcon Hood” competition, launched by Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) for the first time in its history during the last edition.
It attracted wide participation from 15 countries, but also helped to educate thousands of students from Abu Dhabi schools about the falcon hood’s historical symbolism and real heritage value.
The exhibition helped to support and encourage craftsmen, inventors, and companies specializing in the manufacture of falconry tools and equipment.
Thirty-two creative craftsmen participated in this unique competition from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Taiwan, Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
ADIHEX announced the launch of a second edition of the competition for this year to choose the most beautiful and best falcon hood (burqa) as part of the twentieth edition.
It will be organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club from 23 – 28 August, 2023, officially sponsored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where the event takes place.
The jury comprises experts specialising in falconry and its equipment and Emirates Falconers’ Club members.
The evaluation depends mainly on the extent of efficiency and usefulness of the hood so that the falcon feels comfortable. It also considers the overall beautiful appearance of the hood, the quality of the materials of which it is made, the appropriate price, and the aesthetic image in respect of the heritage prospect.
Participation is limited to manufacturers of handmade falcon hoods, including falconers, craftsmen, and companies.
The falcon hood (burqa) is a vital tool in training falcons to hunt. It is essential to carefully choose a comfortable size for the falcon. It is a cover that the falconer puts on the entire head of the falcon (preventing it from seeing) and has a small opening from which its beak comes out. It is usually made of soft leather and may have different shapes and colours.
The hood is made either manually, according to its type, or mechanically by companies interested in falconry tools.
It is considered essential for the falcon so that it does not unnecessarily leap from the hand of its falconer, or jump on the prey prematurely, weakening its strength and determination.
Further, it helps the falcon to rest by blocking the rays and light from its eyes.
In ADIHEX 2022, “Atelier Falconoid”, from Japan, won the first place, “Orton HSI”, from Taiwan, won the second place, and Afra Mohamed Al Dhaheri, from the UAE, won the third place.
Source: Bahrain News Agency