Boats

This miniature boat from the tomb of Tutankhamun rests upon a basin inscribed with the king’s name and may have held water or perfume. The bow and stern terminate in ibex heads; animals associated with renewal and regeneration. At the bow, a young woman holds a lotus flower, symbol of rebirth, while at the stern a dwarf steers the boat. Beneath the canopy, the screen walls appear to evoke a sarcophagus. In ancient Egyptian belief, the boat symbolized the journey of the sun and the soul from death to rebirth.

Models equipped with masts and square sails to navigate against the prevailing winds. The 35 wooden model boats found in Tutankhamun's tomb are important in that they represent the last large group of model boats which has survived from Ancient Egypt and are the only complete group to have survived from the 18th Dynasty. They are, therefore, our main evidence 'in the round' for vessels of that period. They supplement the information provided by reliefs and paintings and supply important information on many aspects of Ancient Egyptian boat design and development of the period.

A unique type featuring a longitudinal cleft in the stern to seat a single steering paddle. The 35 wooden model boats found in Tutankhamun's tomb are important in that they represent the last large group of model boats which has survived from Ancient Egypt and are the only complete group to have survived from the 18th Dynasty. They are, therefore, our main evidence 'in the round' for vessels of that period. They supplement the information provided by reliefs and paintings and supply important information on many aspects of Ancient Egyptian boat design and development of the period.