The boat models discovered at Meketre's tomb feature several different kinds of boats, including traveling boats, sporting boats, and several papyriform crafts. Two of the papyriform skiffs have a trawling net slung between them.Model fishing boats from the Tomb of Meketre (TT280), now found in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 46715). It is uncertain whether or not the net is meant to be depicted as being under the water or being pulled out of the water by the fishermen. In the event that the artist meant for the net to be in the water, it is upside down. Needless to say, the upside down net would not work for catching fish.Hirschfeld, N. 2009. "Egyptian Seafaring." Class Lecture, 23 January, San Antonio. This ambiguity points up the question of artistic veracity of the craftsmen who make ship models. As is attested by the ambiguity of the holes in the sides of the Phoenician model, and the skiff from Meketre, archaeologists need to be aware of the possibility of artistic error while interpreting ancient ship models. While a mistake involving an inverted trawling net may seem trivial, the lesson is important. It is important for archaeologists to be aware of the possibility that ancient artists may not have been familiar with the finer details of ships and boats.
The boat models discove,red at Meketre's tomb feature several different kinds of boats, including traveling boats, sporting boats, and several papyriform crafts. Two of the papyriform skiffs have a trawling net slung between them.Model fishing boats from the Tomb of Meketre (TT280), now found in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 46715). It is uncertain wh:ether or not the net is meant to be depicted as being under the water or being pulled out of the water by the fishermen. In the event. that the artist meant for the net to be in the water, it is upside down. Needless to say, the upside down net would not work for catching fish.Hirschfeld, N. 2009. "Egyptian Seafaring." Class Lecture, 23 January, San Antonio. This ambiguity points up the question of artistic veracity of the craftsmen who make ship models. As is attested by the ambiguity of the holes in the sides of the Phoenician model, and the skiff from Meketre, archaeologists need to be aware of the possibility of artistic error while interpreting ancient ship models. While a mistake involving an inverted trawling net may seem trivial, the lesson is important. It is .important for archaeologists to be aware of the possibility! that ancient artists may not have been familiar with the finer details of ships and boats.