This book uniquely analyses Predynastic Egyptian boat petroglyphs, as well as surviving ship hulls and timbers. The research steps away from discussing petroglyphs as artistic styles and instead arranges the sources, from petroglyphs to physical hulls, by watercraft type. Attention is also given to the brick or rock-cut boats of the Early Dynastic Period. The analysis of boat burials considers the means for the construction of these interred watercraft. This includes the reinterpretation of older concepts, but with the incorporation of newer images; images that are not commonly cited as references for such work..  Additionally, the examination of examples that can now be demonstrated as fake sheds new light on older interpretations.

The book highlights a number of different aspects of shipbuilding, incorporating the author’s own experimental practice. In particular, this focuses on replicating the channels cut into the timbers for lacing together the planking of the Third Dynasty hull from Abusir.

This book will be a valuable resource in the study of Ancient Egyptian petroglyphs and hull construction.

AUTHOR

Michael Allen Stephens has published categorisations and journal articles examining Egyptian watercraft of the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, including the two previous BAR titles S2358 and S3084. His knowledge of watercraft is informed by his academic studies, as well as personal experience in sailing and boat building.

REVIEW

‘The author takes into consideration all existing categorization systems, many of which have typological or temporal limitations. He then produces his own categorization, which covers all existing evidence from petroglyphs, reliefs, models, and archaeological remains. This is an important aspect of the work, as both 2- and 3-dimensional iconographic documents, as well as the remains of real boats, may refer to the same type of hull.’ Alexander Belov, European Institute of Underwater Archaeology