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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: 61 x 11 x 19 cm (24 x 4 5/16 x 7 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.16720
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 eight figures 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 figures have been re-attached so that there is a man standing at the bow, a helmsman kneeling at the stern to steer. The six remaining figures are in similar kneeling/seated postures indicative of rowers. Two figures are missing their arms, and five others have only one remaining. The boat still caries remnants of white plaster/paint.
Two masts and a rudder have also been re-attached.
This set of items is comprised of pieces from a wooden tomb model of a boat crewmen. The eight figures 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 figures have been re-attached so that there is a man standing at the bow, a helmsman kneeling at the stern to steer. The six remaining figures are in similar kneeling/seated postures indicative of rowers. Two figures are missing their arms, and five others have only one remaining. The boat still caries remnants of white plaster/paint.
Two masts and a rudder have also been re-attached.
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)