Tombs in Egypt were elaborately decorated with hieroglyphics carved and painted onto the walls. Statues, pottery, jewelry, and paintings were also used to decorate the insides of tombs. Sometimes wealthy Egyptians had models of everyday objects placed inside their tombs because they believed these things would be useful in the afterlife. Small models of food, vessels, people, weapons, and boats have been found in Egyptian tombs. The two most common types of models found are those of water bearers and boats. Models of boats represent the transportation and protection of the deceased across the Nile River and into the afterlife. Can you tell from the image which figure is the deceased Egyptian traveling into the afterlife?
Unidentified Maker, Egypt
19 1/4 inches H; 7 1/2 inches W; 36 inches D
Gift of Edmund F. and Frances Petty
1981.035.000a-d
2000 BCE Stonehenge is erected on Salisbury Plain, England.
384-322 BCE The Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle lives.
28-75 CE Buddhism is established in China and becomes a major world religion.
30 CE The death of Jesus and emergence of Christianity.
The style of Egyptian art stayed relatively consistent for more than 3,000 years.
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