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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: 56 x 10 x 24 cm (22 1/16 x 3 15/16 x 9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.492
NOT ON VIEW
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 set of items is comprised of pieces from a wooden tomb model of a boat crewmen. The figures have been re-attached to the boat. They would originally have been attached with pegs, as indicated by some remnant pegs in the boat's deck and holes in the bases of the figures. The figures are rather schematically carved men with skin painted a reddish-brown and wearing black wigs and white kilts. Their eyes have been detailed with black and white. They have generally cylindrical bodies with arms carved separately and attached at the shoulders with small pegs. The originaly crew likely consisted of a man at the bow, a helmsman at the stern to steer, and rowers. The four remaining figures are in similar kneeling/seated postures indicative of rowers. The figures have been re-attached to the right side of the boat, facing the bow. Three are positioned as rowers, and one is positioned as a helmsman at the stern of the boat. Three figures are missing their arms, and the fourth has only one remaining. The boat still caries remnants of white plaster/paint.
This set of items is comprised of pieces from a wooden tomb model of a boat crewmen. The figures have been re-attached to the boat. They would originally have been attached with pegs, as indicated by some remnant pegs in the boat's deck and holes in the bases of the figures. The figures are rather schematically carved men with skin painted a reddish-brown and wearing black wigs and white kilts. Their eyes have been detailed with black and white. They have generally cylindrical bodies with arms carved separately and attached at the shoulders with small pegs. The originaly crew likely consisted of a man at the bow, a helmsman at the stern to steer, and rowers. The four remaining figures are in similar kneeling/seated postures indicative of rowers. The figures have been re-attached to the right side of the boat, facing the bow. Three are positioned as rowers, and one is positioned as a helmsman at the stern of the boat. Three figures are missing their arms, and the fourth has only one remaining. The boat still caries remnants of white plaster/paint.
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)