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Riverboat
Thebes, tomb of Meketre, early Dynasty 12, ca. 1985 B.C.
Gessoed and painted wood, l. 50 3/8 in.
Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
20.3.1

Meketre is shown seated, smelling a lotus blossom, in the shade of a small cabin, which, on an actual boat, would have been made of a light wooden framework with linen or leather hangings. Here the hangings have been partly rolled up to let the breeze through. Wooden shields covered with bulls' hides are painted on each side of the roof. A singer, with his hand to his lips, and a blind harpist entertain Meketre on his voyage. Standing in front of them is the ship's captain, with his arms crossed over his chest. He may be depicted awaiting orders, but he may also pay homage to the deceased Meketre.

As the twelve oarsmen propel the boat, a lookout in the bow holds a weighted line used to determine the depth of the river. At the stern, the helmsman controls the rudder. A tall white post amidships supported a mast and sail (not found in the tomb), which would have been taken down when the boat was rowed downstream--as it is here--against the prevailing north wind. Going south (upstream), with the wind behind it, the boat would have been sailed and the oarsmen could rest.

The boat is similar to one Meketre might have used in his lifetime. Certain details, however, suggest that on this voyage Meketre is traveling toward the afterlife. For instance, he holds and sniffs a fragrant blue lotus blossom, which opens its petals every morning toward the rising sun, thus signifying the hope of rebirth. Also, in Egyptian literature, a blind harpist sings of the transience of life.

Notice: activities, colors, materials

Discuss: the two levels of meaning; why the Meketre models are so highly valued

Compare with: View of Luxor looking west across the Nile and Menna and his family fishing and fowling

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