Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 11th to 12th Dynasty, ca. 2030 to 1640 BCE. A sacred boatman figure, skillfully carved in a pose that departs from the kneeling position of a rower; instead the legs are outstretched as if this person is a passenger or the foreman. Once carved, the figure was covered in a thin layer of gesso and painted in red, black, and white hues. This example still retains carved and painted facial details and a classic cap-styled coiffure. An impressive boat 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: 6.75" H (17.1 cm); 7.75" H (19.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection

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#126096

Missing one leg, foot of surviving leg, and arms. Expected surface wear with pigment loss, fissures, and abraded areas commensurate with age. Still a wonderful example presenting a less common pose.