Model boat MOD-0016

Model – boat MOD-0016

By Vanhulle, Dorian

Hierakonpolis
, Nekhen town, Temple, 'Main Deposit'.
1898–1899 : Egypt Exploration Fund excavation.

Oxford, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, AN 1896–1908 E.4957.

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 (Dynasties "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 material from different periods. Although the typology of the model suggests a Naqada IIIA–B date, a 1^st dynasty date (Naqada IIIC) cannot be rulled out.

Material : Ivory (undefined) (Carved)

Preservation : Almost complete

Preservation information :
The top of the stern is damaged.

Description

Model of a boat adopting the classic Naqada III royal boat typology: the stern is vertical and triangular in shape while the prow is raised upwards. The angular shape of the prow, which goes back inwards, is less typical as prows on this type of boat are generaly raised upwards or strictly vertical. The deck structure is roughly rectangular, with the back wall higher than the front one. This structure is a seat or a throne which was used to accomodate a member of the ruling elite. Such seats are well-attested in Naqada III iconography and are systematically associated with royal boats. Unlike most models coming from the Main Deposit, this example is rather flat and may have been an amulet or pendant rather than a model per se.

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 central structure is covered with an alternation of incised strokes and crosses. Most probably, they are also indicatation ligatures. One perforation was drilled roughly at the base of the prow.

Dimensions (cm)

Height :

Length :

5.8

Thickness :

0.5

Additional information

Acknowledgements

We thank Liam McNamara for facilitating the study of this artefact.

References

Quibell, J. E.

1900

Hierakonpolis I. Egyptian Research Account Memoir 4. London

, pl.XXXI.I.

Quibell, J. E. ; Green, F. W.

1902

Hierakonpolis II. Egyptian Research Account Memoir 5. London

, 31.

Dreyer, G.

1986

Elephantine VIII: Der Tempel der Satet. Die Funde der Frühzeit und des Alten Reiches. Archäologische Veröffentlichungen, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Kairo 39. Mainz am Rhein

, 80.