TWO EGYPTIAN WOODEN PAINTED FUNERARY FURNITURE ELEMENTS.
Moyen-Empire, Dynasty 11-12, ca. 2119-1794 BCE
H. 19,5 / 18,5 cm

Provenance
Acquired in 21 12.1977 (invoice)

Published in Pharao siegt immer. Krieg und Frieden im Alten Agÿpten, n°104 a-b; 141 a-b, 2004.

During the Middle Kingdom, it was a common burial practice to place small wooden or clay models in the tombs of the deceased. These models often included groups of miniature figurines representing servants or workers. Through magical rites, these figures were believed to come to life and serve the needs of the deceased in the afterlife. From one of these boat models come the two miniature cases equipped with spears. These small, carefully crafted spear cases were part of the boat's equipment, reflecting the preparations for long journeys. Weapons such as spears and shields (Nz. 141) were essential to defend against pirates and wild animals, particularly crocodiles and hippos, which posed significant threats along the Nile. The inclusion of these weapons emphasizes the Egyptians' deep understanding of the perils of river travel and their belief in the need for protection, even in the afterlife. The other elements are cabin roofs with painted shields belong to model ships that, according to burial customs during the Middle Kingdom, were placed in the tombs of the deceased. Their purpose was to magically ensure transportation and enable fishing in the afterlife

Estimate: 3000 - 3500 CHF