Model Sailing Boat Transporting a Mummy

Model Sailing Boat Transporting a Mummy

Period:Middle KingdomDynasty:Dynasty 12Reign:Amenemhat II, lateDate:ca. 1900–1885 B.C.Geography:From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht South, Mastaba B (Djehuty), South Area, between mastaba and south enclosure wall, MMA excavations, 1930–31Medium:Wood, paintDimensions:L. 80.6 cm (31 3/4 in.); W. 21.2 cm (8 3/8 in.); H. to top of mast 54 cm (21 1/4 in.) Beam L. 23 cm (9 1/16 in.)

A group of sailors standing by the mast hoists the sail (not preserved) for this boat which carries a mummy on a bier under a baldaquin. The mummy is tended by two women - perhaps impersonating the goddesses Isis and Nephthys - while a priest reads from a papyrus scroll. Four men sit crouched before the mast and baldaquin. Their posture is akin to the so-called "block statues" or "cube statues," well known from Middle Kingdom art. It has been argued that this posture indicates the person so represented is partaking in rituals. The steersman and another person at the side of the bier crouch in a similar position, although each of them has one arm free for action.

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