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Model of a transport boat with a portable cabin
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: 64 x 13 x 30 cm (25 3/16 x 5 1/8 x 11 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.830
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 wooden tomb model depicts a boat with a crew of five (of an original six) male figures, each of which is painted reddish-brown with short, black wigs and white kilts. Their eyes have also been detailed with black and white. Five of the figures are in striding poses. Their "feet" have been carved as pegs for insertion into holes in the boat's deck. A sixth, the helmsman, is seated at the stern of the craft, manning a steering oar that is attached to the vertical stanchion inserted into a hole in the stern deck. On the prow a lookout stands with left leg advanced. The central three figures face inward toward the boat's mast. Two of these figures are shown leaning with arms bent. The arm components of the figures were carved separate from the bodies and were attached by pegs. The boat also has a canopy adorned with shields of animal skin patterns. The boat is painted white with red line decorations on the top to indicate deck divisions and beams.
This wooden tomb model depicts a boat with a crew of five (of an original six) male figures, each of which is painted reddish-brown with short, black wigs and white kilts. Their eyes have also been detailed with black and white. Five of the figures are in striding poses. Their "feet" have been carved as pegs for insertion into holes in the boat's deck. A sixth, the helmsman, is seated at the stern of the craft, manning a steering oar that is attached to the vertical stanchion inserted into a hole in the stern deck. On the prow a lookout stands with left leg advanced. The central three figures face inward toward the boat's mast. Two of these figures are shown leaning with arms bent. The arm components of the figures were carved separate from the bodies and were attached by pegs. The boat also has a canopy adorned with shields of animal skin patterns. The boat is painted white with red line decorations on the top to indicate deck 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)