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Model of a fowling boat

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: 59 x 10 x 28 cm (23 1/4 x 3 15/16 x 11 in.)
Credit Line Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.890
ClassificationsModels

DescriptionThis wooden tomb model depicts a fowling boat with a crew of three male figures. The figures are painted reddish-brown with long white kilts and black wigs. A bowsman stand in the prow of the boat in a striding position, with his left arm reaching forward. A figure directly behind him kneels with both arms extended, where he possible held an oar. The helmsman kneels at the stern of the boat, his right arm extends forward towards the vertical stanchion to which a steering oar is attached. All of the figures' arms are attached to the body at the shoulders via small pegs. Near the center of the deck are two birds. The boat is plastered and painted white with red detialing lines indicating sections and beams of the deck.
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)