Transportation in Ancient Egyptian Art
"The style of ancient Egyptian art is transcendently clear, something 8-year-olds can recognize in an instant. Its consistency and codification is one of the most epic visual journeys in all art, one that lasts 30 dynasties spread over 3,000 years."
~Jerry Saltz
~Jerry Saltz
The most popular form of transportation in ancient egypt was by boat. The slow moving nile River was perfect for transportation purposes. Egyptian boats were made of wood and did not have any internal framing. there importance is solidified by their role in Egyptian mythology and religion. Besides transportation, Egyptians used boats for fishing and enjoyment. Huge cargo ships, small fishing boats, and grand barges filled the Nile during ancient times. the first egyptian boats were made from papyrus, but as time went on they began to be built with wood and on larger scales. Ferryboats transported commoners on trips across Egypt and Merchant ships transported goods such as grain and herds of cattle.
Boats with Human Figures
Predynastic, 3500-3300 B.C.
Pottery
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Predynastic, 3500-3300 B.C.
Pottery
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Although perhaps abstract, we are shown the usage of boats through this piece of pottery. Undulating boats hold small abstract figures. We are shown that even this far back Egyptians were using boats as transportation. The simplicity of the boat matches that of the pot and that of the time period.
"Boats with Mourners and Provisions, Tomb of Neferhotep"
New Kingdom, 1327-1323 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
New Kingdom, 1327-1323 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Here we are shown mourners on boats. Long paddles are depicted on the far sides of the boats. The boats are simple but carry an abundance of passengers. A guess would be that the boat is mad from papyrus making it one of the earliest forms of Egyptian boats. They are depicted on soft blue waters.
"The Viceroy's Boat, Tomb of Huy"
New Kingdom, 1353-1327 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
New Kingdom, 1353-1327 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
In this depiction of an Egyptian boat, the idea of early trade ships are depicted. This large vessel was most likely used to transport large quantities of goods or cattle. The boat has one tall sale that is just framework and it is shown that the boat requires many workers to man the vessel.
"Syrians Bringing Horses, Tomb of Rekhmire"
New Kingdom, 1504-1425 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
New Kingdom, 1504-1425 B.C.
Tempera on Paper
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art
In this depiction of Syrians bringing the Egyptians horses we are told a number of things. We know that the Egyptians were engrossed in trade by now and we know that they had horses to use as transportation.