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Model of a boat under sail
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: 72 x 17 x 51 cm (28 3/8 x 6 11/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.822
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsModels
DescriptionThis wooden tomb model depicts a boat with a crew of six male figures, all of whom are painted reddish-brown with black wigs and white kilts. Five of the six are in standing postures with one leg advanced, while a helmsman sits/kneels at the stern manning a steering oar attached to a stanchion that once occupied the hole visible in the boat's deck. A bowsman stands in the prow as lookout. The rear two of the four central figures reach forward, tending to the boat's mast or sail. The "feet" of the standing figures have been carved as pegs for insertion into the deck. Arms were carved as separate components and attached to the bodies of the figures via small pegs. The boat is painted white with red lines on the deck to indicate divisions and beams.
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)