#2133-1797 B.C.

[ltwilliammowett]

A large Egyptian gesso-painted wood model boat. Middle Kingdom, circa 2133-1797 B.C.

The sailing boat manned by ten sailors arranged in two parallel rows, with a further crew member facing forward and helmsman in the curved stern with a rudder, with a linen sail, the hull painted red, 130cm long. Boats were an integral part of everyday Egyptian life and mythology and as such were considered necessary for the afterlife. Two model boats were usually provided for each tomb, one showing the crew sailing south with the prevailing wind and the other the crew rowing north to allow the deceased to see the whole world of Egypt in both directions, but it also stands for the life and afterlife.. Both papyrus and wooden boats were recreated as models and represent the diversity of Egyptian boats.