Queen Hatshepsut's State Barge

A state barge of Queen Hatshepsut. Carved on the walls of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at Deir el-Bahri, opposite modern Luxor, are several representations of Egyptian fleets... One scene shows a group of state barges being rowed on the Nile; one of the barges is pictured here. The hull is of a traditional style resembling that of the dwa-towy ship of King Khufu. The cheeks of the bow bear the sacred eye of Horus, a sphinx standard indicates that the ship belongs to the royal fleet, and a light pavilion, standing amid- ships, shelters the royal passenger and her attendants. When the queen is not actually on board, as is the case here, a ceremonial fan lying on a throne symbolizes her potent presence.