The Art of Ancient Egypt | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Wood

Acacia and sycamore provided much of the wood used to make furniture and coffins, and also many statues and statuettes. The trunks and branches were used to make small statues and, when making larger figures and wooden coffins, carvers had to peg pieces of wood together. Artists used flint, copper, and bronze to cut away and shape the wood.

Statuette of an offering bearer
The arms, base, duck, and basket were carved separately and attached to the body. The figure was then sanded, covered with a thin layer of plaster, and painted.

Coffin of a Middle Kingdom official
For large wooden constructions such as ships and architectural structures, and also for fine statues, furniture, and coffins, Egyptians imported wood from the cedar forests of Lebanon.

Photograph Credits