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Model of a boat being rowed

Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, late Dynasty 11 – early Dynasty
2010–1961 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Deir el-Bersha, Tomb 10, shaft A (Djehutynakht)

Medium/Technique Wood
Dimensions Length x width x height: 71 x 22 x 33 cm (27 15/16 x 8 11/16 x 13 in.)
Credit Line Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.483
ClassificationsModels

DescriptionThis wooden boat model has six seated/kneeling male rowers with oars, a man standing at the prow, and a helmsman at the stern manning the vertical stanchion that is attached to the steering oar. Both boat and figures are plastered and painted. The skin of all figures is painted reddish brown, and they all wear white kilts and black wigs. Their eyes are detailed in white and black paint. The figures' arms are carved as separate component from the body and attached by pegs. There is no modelling of the hands, but rather small holes pierced through for the attachment of model oars. The upper surface of the boat has been decorated with red line details that inidicate various divisions and beams of the boat's interior.
ProvenanceFrom Deir el-Bersha, tomb 10, shaft A (tomb of Djehutynakht). May 1915: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt. (Accession Date: March 1, 1921)