Exhibition
Presentation Of Exhibits By Section
Hunting
Fowl
Chukar partridge: this species was once widespread across the whole island, from the plains to the remotest mountainous regions. The eggs were collected systematically in the spring.
Water birds
All kinds of duck, goose, swan, and heron winter in Crete or migrate to the island. These constituted a significant aid to survival all year round.
Mammals
Hare: A little smaller than that of mainland Europe, the hare reproduces many times a year, like the wild rabbit, but with only 2-3 young at each birth. It is abundant throughout lowland and mountain Crete.
Wild goat
The Greek wild goat (or “aegagrus”) is slim and resembles the antelope family rather than the wild goat of the Pyrenees. Nowadays the species survives in only one Cretan biotope. It was the main game animal for thousands of years, especially in the mountains; an adult male provides 25-35 kilos of meat.
Hunting weapons and traps
For a long time, people hunted with bow and arrow. Cretans were famous from antiquity onwards for their skill with the bow. A noiseless weapon that hardly cost anything to make, it remained in use in rural Crete until the 18th century, when it was replaced by muskets for hunting wild goats. Hunting guns were first imported in the late 19th century. The most common snare for hares was a noose of tough string or thin wire. Metal traps for foxes or jackals were also imported.