Feb 21, 2024
Model Sailboat - Met Museum Collection
Inventory Number: 20.3.4 Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1981–1975 B.C. Location Information: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Southern Asasif, Tomb of Meketre (TT 280, MMA 1101), MMA excavations, 1920
Description:
Boats of this particular type appear in representations of the "pilgrimage to Abydos" that was part of the Egyptian funerary ritual from the Middle Kingdom onwards. The ritual character of this boat trip is clearly demonstrated by the fact that not the living Meketre but a statue sits under the baldaquin accompanied by a companion (possibly his son), while priests perform offering rituals in front of it.