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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: 59 x 29 x 34 cm (23 1/4 x 11 7/16 x 13 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.488
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsModels
DescriptionThe following description reflects this object’s current condition and state of assembly, which were achieved after conservation. Photography that appears with this record may show the object prior to changes made during conservation.
This wooden tomb model depicts a boat with a crew of eight male figures, all of which are painted reddish-brown with white kilts and short, black wigs. Their eyes have been detailed in black and white as well. The figures include a man in a striding pose at the prow of the boat acting as a lookout. Six seated/kneeling figures are rowers with oars, facing the stern. A third separate figure at the stern is the helmsman. The helsman tends to the vertical stachsion to which a steering oar is attached. The arms of all figures are carved separate components from the bodies, attached by small pegs. The boat is both painted and plastered with the top surface in white with red detail lines to indicate separate sections and beams of the deck.
This wooden tomb model depicts a boat with a crew of eight male figures, all of which are painted reddish-brown with white kilts and short, black wigs. Their eyes have been detailed in black and white as well. The figures include a man in a striding pose at the prow of the boat acting as a lookout. Six seated/kneeling figures are rowers with oars, facing the stern. A third separate figure at the stern is the helmsman. The helsman tends to the vertical stachsion to which a steering oar is attached. The arms of all figures are carved separate components from the bodies, attached by small pegs. The boat is both painted and plastered with the top surface in white with red detail lines to indicate separate sections and beams of the deck.
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)