Alabaster Boat of Tutankhamun

This alabaster boat is supported by a square pool-shaped foundation. It is regarded one of the most magnificent artefacts in King Tutankhamun’s collection. It was discovered in the annexe of his tomb.

The purpose of this artefact is unclear, although it was either an unguent bottle or a perfume holder, or it was most likely a centrepiece used for adornment during festivities and rites, as Howard Carter discovered it wrapped in flower garlands. The piece could have been a receptacle for oil or unguent, but Carter found no residue. He viewed the sculpture as an adornment or a centrepiece, and it is possible that the basin was filled with water to complete the impression of the beautiful centrepiece floating upon the water.

At the stern, a dwarf stands naked, wearing a wig similar to the girl’s. He’s also sporting armbands and wristbands. When this piece was unearthed, he was clutching a pole and most likely served as the helmsman for the alabaster boat.

The boat’s bow is shaped like an ibex’s head and neck, while the stern is shaped like another ibex facing the same direction. Both animals’ ears were pierced, but the rear figure’s left ear still had an earring. The boat’s hull has an etched and painted pattern that matches the pattern on the base. A collar with gold and coloured glass inlays surrounds the necks of both animals.

Both animals’ horns, like the vessel’s ibex-shaped horns, are genuine ibex horns. The ibex on the prow still retains its distinctive beard. The insignia and characteristics of the eyeballs are painted on the underside.

The boat’s front features a carved depiction of a seated female. Golden earrings, an armlet, and a bead bracelet are still intact, and her wig is made of grey stone. She has a stained ivory lotus in her left hand. Behind her is a canopy supported by four elegant columns, each with four screen walls, resembling a coffin or lodge.

Both animals’ horns, like the vessel’s ibex-shaped horns, are genuine ibex horns. The ibex on the prow still retains its distinctive beard. The marks and eye details are painted on the bottom of glass or crystal. The front of the support bears the king’s throne name as well as his and his wife’s personal names.

New Kingdom, late 18th Dynasty, reign of Tutankhamun, ca. 1332-1323 BC. From the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). Valley of the Kings, West Thebes. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 62120