Ancient Egyptian Boat Models of the Herakleopolitan Period and Eleventh Dynasty

Overview of Ancient Egyptian Boat Models

• Author: Donald B. Spanel

• Publication: Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur, 1985

Key Themes and Discussions

• Historical Context:

  • Focuses on the Herakleopolitan Period and Eleventh Dynasty in Ancient Egypt.

  • Analysis regarding the chronological placement of tombs, specifically, tombs of Kheti, Ramushenti, Baqet, and their relevance to understanding boat models.

• Chronology and Archaeological Evidence:

  • Newberry's initial excavation dates tombs 29, 33, 27, and 17 as part of a transitional phase between Old and Middle Kingdoms.

  • Citations of Garstang's work as corroboration for Newberry’s chronological framework.

  • Differentiation of boat types exemplified between tombs 15 and 17 (Kheti) and tombs 29 and 33 (Baqet).

• Boat Types and Features:

  • Remarkable continuity in boat designs noted from late Old Kingdom to the early Middle Kingdom.

  • Distinct types of boats categorized as "traveling," "kitchen-tender," and "sporting".

  • Boat Models:

    • Various models discussed with accent on specific structural features:

    • Stern Configuration: Increased angle and height of stern compared to the prow.

    • Masts: Changes from bipod to single mast configurations, marking an advancement in design.

    • Rudder and Steering: Innovations in handling emphasized; introduction of poles for steering is noted.

• Artistic Representations in Tombs:

  • Boat paintings in the tombs of Baqet and Kheti serve as critical evidence in matching models to their respective time periods.

  • The distinct characteristics of boats depicted showcase both artistic development and technological advancement in boat construction during this phase.

Comparative Analysis of Boat Models

• Model Comparisons:

  • Similarities between the boat models found across multiple tombs (e.g., those from Baqet III and Kheti) emphasize a widely accepted boat type during the Herakleopolitan and Eleventh Dynasty.

  • Features of boats from the Theban tomb and others reveal differences in design that can aid in dating and contextualizing these models within their historical framework.

• Coffin Inscriptions and Their Significance:

  • Ritual inscriptions inscribed on coffins, such as htp dj nsw, indicate offerings and the spiritual intentions behind burial practices common to both Herakleopolitan and Eleventh Dynasty contexts.

  • Inscription styles and syntax serve to differentiate between varying dynastic practices, specifically highlighting a transition in funerary text styles from the Old Kingdom to later periods.

Conclusion

• Significance of the Study:

  • Enhances understanding of Ancient Egyptian maritime culture and engineering motifs of the time.

  • Provides a basis for historically contextualizing artifacts related to funerary practices and their symbolic representations in both artistic and structural forms.

The styles of the model boats found across various tombs exhibit both similarities and differences that provide valuable insights into their historical context.

Similarities:

• Many model boats share common design features, indicating a widely accepted or standardized boat type during the Herakleopolitan and Eleventh Dynasty periods.

• The similarities include aspects such as hull shape, proportions, and foundational construction techniques, suggesting universal practices in boat making and a reflection of cultural similarities across different locations.

Differences:

• Differences in design features emerge notably between boats from different tombs, which can aid in dating these artifacts and contextualizing them within their respective historical frameworks.

• For example, variations in stern configurations, mast designs, and the presence of additional structures can indicate adaptations to specific uses or regional preferences.

• Boats from the Theban tomb and other regions exhibit distinct characteristics that may reflect the divergent practices and preferences of various dynasties or local cultures.

Overall, analyzing the exquisite details of boat models allows for a deeper understanding of Ancient Egyptian maritime culture and the technological advancements that occurred during this period.

Several boat models were discovered across multiple tombs, specifically mentioned are tombs 15, 17, 29, 33, Kheti, Ramushenti, and Baqet. The distinct features of boats in each of these tombs help in differentiating their designs and understanding their historical contexts. Notably, these models include traveling, kitchen-tender, and sporting types, highlighting a notable continuity in boat designs from the late Old Kingdom to the early Middle Kingdom.

In maritime terminology, the prow refers to the forward part of a ship or boat, typically the front section that leads the vessel through the water. Conversely, the stern is the rear or back part of the ship. In the context of Ancient Egyptian boat models, the design of the prow and stern is significant, particularly the angle and height of the stern in relation to the prow, as these features can indicate advancements in boat design and contribute to understanding boat functionality and usage in different historical contexts.