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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: 62 x 18 x 34 cm (24 7/16 x 7 1/16 x 13 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.871
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsModels
DescriptionThis wooden tomb model boat has a crew of six male figures. They are painted reddish-brown with white kilts and short, black wigs, and their eyes have been detailed with black and white. Five of the figures are standing or in striding poses with a leg advnaced, while one figure is shown seated/kneeling at the stern of the boat. This helsman tends to the vertical stanchion in front of him, to which would have been attached the boat's steering oar. Three of the standing figures are set at the prow of the boat, with a primary bowsman at front with his right arm raised. Two additional standing fiures just to the back of center reach forward with both arms as though tending to the boat's mast, which is present, or sail, which is not present. The model is both plastered and painted. The top surface is painted white with red line details to indicate various sections and beams of the decks.
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)