Model of a funerary boat (2100-1900 BCE) by EgyptianOriginal Source: http://risdmuseum.org/art_design/objects/29_model_of_a_funerary_boat
In tombs all across Egypt, archaeologists have found detailed miniature wooden models of everyday scenes; bakeries, granaries, soldiers, and boats. Dating from around 2500-1800BCE, these weren't toys, but grave offerings promising an easy afterlife.
Model of a Granary with ScribesThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Egyptians understood the world of the dead as a continuation of the world of the living. Just as society needed bread, beer, and accountants, so would the afterlife. So, to accompany their souls on their journey, they made inanimate versions of everything they needed.
Model of a KitchenNational Museums Liverpool
The models aren't exact replicas of real life, but a degree of realism was essential. The aim was not to give the illusion of life, but rather to capture the essence of the characters, so that they could be incarnated in the afterlife.
Model Shield, Spear Case, and Spears (ca. 1981–1802 B.C.)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
These models, representing a shield, a spear case, and seven spears, are faithful reproductions of Egyptian military equipment. The wood has been painted to accurately imitate the cowhide covering of the kit, down to the red rawhide stitching.
Model of a Granary with ScribesThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Many of the models depict granaries. This is no surprise, given grain was essential for every level of society. This model shows a typical granary of the era, a store room on the left is attached to an accounting room on the right.
Workers would enter with sacks full of grain and pass by shaven-headed scribes, who noted down on papyrus scrolls precisely how much they had brought with them.
The workers would then climb onto a raised platform above the storage areas, and deposit their grain. In real life, the granary would have a roof to prevent rats and other pests from reaching the precious produce.
Model of a granary with scribe and overseer Model of a granary with scribe and overseer (ca. 2030–1850 B.C.)The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This granary may be much smaller, and its composition is more schematic than realistic, but its farm workers, scribes, and overseer are still recognisable.
Model Boat (2061 BC - 1784 BC) by EgyptianThe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
When these models were first discovered, some believed that they may be children's toys. However, research showed that they were usually located in specific areas of tombs, and aligned with the cardinal points of the compass.
Funerary model of cows and drovers (Moyen Empire, XXe siècle avant J.-C.)Mucem
Far from mere playthings, these models give a good sense of how the high-ranking ancient Egyptians understood the world; what they valued in life, and how society was structured. So, leave the pyramids for the tourists - these are the real treasures of ancient Egypt.
