Egyptian Boat/Bark Model Replica. About 9 inches long. Very nice detail. This model is an exact scale replica of the original found in Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter. A royal procession by river would have needed a very substantial flotilla of boats, many of which would be used by the Court officials and other staff, and the transport of materials necessary for the comfort of all. Among the boats of Tutankhamun’s fleet were seven craft usually called barges, with no sails but with double steering oars. This example found in the Treasury of his tomb and pointing west is characteristic of the group. Its principal feature is the double roofed central cabin with three windows on each side and a door at the back end. Both roof tops have cavetto-cornices, simply painted. The whole of the cabin is otherwise decorated with checker patterns which may represent textile hangings or the painted woven wicker superstructures of actual barges. At prow and stern there are small cabins of kiosks which probably served as shelters for members of the crew. The model in the tomb did not have rooves on these. The hull is also painted with checkerboard and chevron patterns. It has been noted that some of the yellow decoration is carried out with orpiment and arsenical natural material sometimes used in ancient Egypt.