Ship’s model

During the Middle Kingdom, wealthy Egyptians took their servants with them to the afterlife by magical means, in the form of small wooden burial figures. Model bakeries, breweries and ships were crafted for this purpose. This model comes from the grave of one 'king’s scribe' Djehutyhotep. His name is inscribed on the cabin, in front of which the deceased himself is represented as a small doll on a chair. Nine oarsmen row the vessel, while a pilot at the front and a helmsman at the back ensure a safe passage through the afterlife.