The most intricately carved of the calcite objects
found in the Annex is this elaborate composition
consisting of a base in the form of a chest, upon
which are incised bands of floral and geometric
patterns. The chest itself stands on four legs and
has been partially hollowed out. From its center
rises a trapezoidal support decorated with stalks of
papyrus plants, and the boat rests upon it.
The
bow of the
boat takes the form of the head and neck
of an ibex, and another ibex, facing the same way,
forms the stern. While the ears of both
animals were
pierced, the left ear of the rear figure retained
its earring. An incised and painted pattern on the
hull of the boat parallels the pattern on the base.
Around the necks of both animals is a collar
consisting of inlays of gold and colored glass.
A figure of a seated female is carved at the
front of the boat. Here, golden earrings, an armlet,
and a bead bracelet are still intact, and her
wig is
carved from gray stone. She holds a stained ivory
lotus in her left hand. Behind her is a canopy
supported by four ornate columns each of which has
four screen walls, which may represent as well a
sarcophagus or a cabin. In shape, it is similar to
the base of the composition, and it is decorated
with floral as well as geometric patterns. It may
have served as a container for oil or an unguent,
but
Carter did not record finding any substance
remaining. He considered the piece an ornament or a
centerpiece.
At the rear of the object, another figure stands
at the stern and holds a sounding pole in both
hands. This one is a female
dwarf, and she too wears
a wig carved of gray stone.
Like the horns of the vessel in the form of an
ibex, those of both animals here are real ibex
horns. The ibex on the prow still has its
characteristic beard intact. The markings are
painted, and the details of the eyes are painted on
the underside of glass or crystal pieces. The throne
name of the king and the personal names of both he
and his wife are written on the front of the
support.