ALABASTER BOX AND BOAT

From the tomb of Tutankhamon Valley of the Kings Western Thebes Dynasty XVIII, C. 1350 B.C. Egyptian Museum, Cairo The purpose of this carved alabaster box and boat is uncertain; perhaps it was used to hold perfume. Its value to us is that it is probably a replica of the funerary barge. It is inlaid with colored glass-paste and semiprecious stones and highlighted with gold leaf. Notice the columns with double capitals which support the awning or canopy over the cabin on the boat. The height is fourteen inches.