Model of a Man Cooking a Duck

This wooden model depicts a man squatting on the floor and cooking a thigh of a duck he holds in his left hand, while on the other hand he holds a fan to spark the fire, painted in front of him on the base. These models were placed in the tombs to provide the dead with eternal sustenance.

In the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, wooden models of cooking were significant artifacts that provide insights into the culinary practices and daily life of the time. These models were intricately carved and depicted scenes of food preparation, cooking, and dining.

The wooden models of cooking served multiple purposes. Firstly, they were used as offerings in tombs, intended to provide sustenance and nourishment for the deceased in the afterlife.

Egyptians believed that these models would magically transform into real food, ensuring that the deceased would have an abundant supply of sustenance.

Secondly, these models also served as educational tools. They were used to train and instruct individuals in the art of cooking and food preparation.

The models depicted various cooking techniques, utensils, and ingredients, providing a visual guide for aspiring cooks and chefs.

Additionally, the wooden models of cooking reflected the importance of food and feasting in Egyptian society. Banquets and communal meals were significant social events, and these models showcased the elaborate and sophisticated culinary practices of the time. They depicted scenes of food being prepared, bread being baked, meat being roasted, and people enjoying meals together.

The wooden models of cooking in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt served as offerings, educational tools, and representations of the importance of food and feasting in ancient Egyptian culture. They provide valuable insights into the culinary practices and daily life of the time.

Middle Kingdom, 12th to 13th Dynasty, ca. 1980-1760 BC. Wood, plaster and paint. Dimensions: 39 x 18 x 34 cm. Schiaparelli excavations (1903-1906). From Asyut. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Turin. S. 8944