Ancient Egyptian boatman figurine from Deir el Bahari dated 2055 – 1985 BC

Virtually intact wooden figure of a boatman, from a tomb model boat group. The figure is in a seated position, with his legs bent. His arms are straight and dowelled separately into position, then plastered and painted in position. One arm is missing a hand. The figure is painted, with a yellow tone for the flesh, white kilt and possibly integral seat, black and white eyes. The hair was depicted short and close to the head, in a black or brown, now partly worn away. There is a hole in the base where the figure was probably attached to the boat. The figure’s right arm is loose, both arms fragile.

Ancient Egyptian boatman figurine from Deir el Bahari dated 2055 – 1985 BC

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1907.90.3.c
  • Material: wood
  • Culture: Dynasty 11
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Excavator: E. Naville
  • Dated: 2055 - 1985 BC
  • Object name: boatman figurine
  • Dimensions: Length: 121mm , Width: 64mm , Depth: 41mm
  • Published references: Naville E XIth Dynasty Temple at Deir el Bahri 3 1913
  • Site: Deir el Bahari
  • Latitude: 25.738333
  • Longitude: 32.607778