Model – boat MOD-0014
By Vanhulle, Dorian
, Nekhen town, Temple, 'Main Deposit'.
1898–1899 : Egypt Exploration Fund excavation.Oxford, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, AN 1896–1908 E.97.
Date : Naqada III
This model comes from the Main Deposit at Hierakonpolis, which notably contained Early Dynastic material such as the Narmer Palette, the Narmer Mace-head and the Scorpion Mace-head (Dynasty "0" and 1). The archaic levels in the Temple of Hierakonpolis are extremely difficult to date with precision since the deposits have been used during an extensive period of time and mix materials from different periods. Although the typology of the model suggests a Naqada IIIA–B date, a 1st dynasty date (Naqada IIIC) cannot be rulled out.
Material : Ivory (undefined) (Carved)
Preservation : Fragmentary
Preservation information :
The tipes of the extremities are lost. The prow is particularly damaged. The bow fragment is reattached to the rest of the hull with resin.
Description
Model of a sickle-shape boat with a deck structure that consists of three walls forming a rectangular shelter without roof and opening towards the bow. The back wall is higher than the sides, which are slanted. The whole structure looks like a seat or a throne in which an important passenger could seat. Such seats are attested in Naqada III iconography and are associated with royal boats. A small rectangular hollowing was made in front of the seat, perhaps meant as a cargo hold. The top-section of the stern is also slighly hollowed.
Decoration
The gunwale is covered with incised strokes , which are probably emulating the ligatures used to tightened the different parts of real wooden structures at that time. The deck structure is covered with an alternation of incised strokes and crosses. Most probably, they are also the indicatation ligatures. One large perforation was made through the hull, underneath to the level of the backrest of the deck structure. Another one, modern, has been drilled through the resin used to repair the fragmented model. Although it would seem logical to consider that two holes were present when the model was complete, it is impossible to ascertain it since some complete ivory models from the Main deposit only show one perforation. A small hole was drilled at the base of the object, perhaps in order to fit it on a pole.
Dimensions (cm)
4.9
3.5
20
Additional information
Acknowledgements
We thank Liam McNamara for facilitating the study of this artefact.
