Model Sporting Boat
Unknown Artist
ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
Medium
Plastered and painted wood, linen, linen twine, copper
Dimensions
Boat with rudder and paddles: L. 121.7 cm (47 15/16 in.); H. 34.3 cm (13 1/2 in.); W. 30.6 cm (12 1/16 in.) Hull: L. 112.5 cm (44 5/16 in.); W. 23.7 cm (9 5/16 in.)
Classification
Boat, fishing and fowling, Meketre
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Accession Number
20.3.6
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite **Model Sporting Boat**, dating to Egypt's Middle Kingdom (ca. 1981–1975 B.C., Dynasty 12), is one of a remarkable series of wooden models discovered in the tomb of Meketre, a wealthy chancellor and treasurer under pharaohs like Amenemhat I. These tomb models, including boats like this one, were crafted to magically provision the deceased in the afterlife, depicting everyday activities on the Nile River. Measuring nearly four feet long, this vibrant piece captures the joy of leisure boating, complete with figures of men and women paddling and steering. Fashioned from plastered ...