Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 11th to 12th Dynasty, ca. 2030 to 1640 BCE. A sacred boatman figure, skillfully carved in a seated pose with the left leg bent at the knee and the right leg folded behind it - wearing a white waist wrap and gazing forward. Once carved, the figure was covered in a thin layer of gesso and painted in red, black, and white hues. This example presents a particularly engaging visage with large lined eyes that are further accentuated by long black brows, a protruding aquiline nose, and a slight smile, all topped with a classic cap-styled coiffure. An impressive boatman figure, most likely created to be placed in the tomb of Egyptian royalty as was the custom. Funerary boat models were created to assist in the deceased's journey through the underworld. The most well-known models came from Meketre's tomb, more than half of which were funerary boats Size: 1.9" W x 5.4" H (4.8 cm x 13.7 cm)
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
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#158093
Condition
Missing arms. Pegs to either side of his torso were once used to attach them. Additional peg on underside was used for attaching to a boat. Expected surface wear with scuffs and abrasions commensurate with age. Fissure on right side of chest and loss to right knee as shown. Surface graced with deposits.