NEWPORT
NEWS, Va. – The Mariners’ Museum and Park has received the oldest artifact in
the museum’s collection!
 |
Ancient Egyptian Artifact – Oarsman
|
The
6½-inch tall figure displays classic Egyptian features with large,
dark-outlined eyes, a cropped black haircut, and a white knee-length covering
called a shendyt.
The
boatman is depicted sitting, knees pulled into his body, with long, articulated
arms capable of holding an oar.
As
one of the oldest maritime cultures in the world, Egypt’s development was
primarily centered on the Nile River. The first boats were built around 6,000
BC, and the Egyptians were the first culture in recorded history to employ
sails as a method of propulsion.
The
Egyptians also built larger wooden vessels for extended riverine travel as well
as sturdy craft used for long-distance sea voyages.
By
the First Dynasty (3399-2900 BC), Egyptian boats got a greater cultural
significance, which led to the development of a third river craft called
papyriform used for religious pilgrimages and as funerary barges, a museum
spokesperson said.
“The
acquisition of this delicate, ancient figure helps further the Museum’s mission
of preserving the world’s maritime history,” says Jeanne Willoz-Egnor, the
Museum’s Director of Collections Management and Curator of Scientific
Instruments. “It enables Museum curators and educators to discuss one of the
oldest and most important maritime cultures in the world using an original
object.”
The
object is currently going through the accessioning process. Currently, there
are not any specific plans to display the object, but Museum staff hope to use
it for several purposes including educational outreach and general research.
Thanks for sharing valuable information. It is very good news for all Egypt’s museum lovers. I usually like to read your blog, because you always share the latest news of Egypt. Through Egyptian collections and Ancient Egyptian artifacts, we can know about various information about Egyptian culture and history.
ReplyDeleteSix months ago I visited Egypt and other famous places with my husband a well-known travel agency company . We selected that place due to their suitable climate, historical places, and Egyptian culture. We stayed there 7 days and enjoyed a lot. Due to less time, we missed the opportunity to visit Egyptian museum. That's why I planned to visit again to the other places of Egypt, which we had left last time.