The tomb of Irukaptah at Saqqara, also called Khenu

The tomb of Irukaptah at Saqqara, also called Khenu

four vessels are shown moving southwards propelled by the wind, which blows from the Mediterranean Sea. The second boat (left) of the first register is papyriform with the bow and the stern bound by lashings at each end of the hull.

Apart from this, the four boats look much alike, both in the rigging, the general structure and the crew (see tb-587). A double posted mast is located towards the front of the boats. A cabin/shelter is located at the rear with a roof strong enough to support one or more crew, in this case probably the navigational sailor who controls the two ropes secured to each end of the upper yardarm.

At the front of each boat stands the pilot, holding a long staff in his hand, charged with guiding the craft and notably to avoid the sandbars. His orders are passed to the two helmsmen at the rear and the rowers, by the character who has his arms outstretched. On one of the boats of the second register he holds a short stick with his right hand (see tb-604), but he is absent on the first boat of the first register (see tb-602). At the stern of each of the four boats, under the awning, stand two helmsmen who steer the boat with long-handled oars.

Irukaptah, although he is not named, is positioned between the cabin and the mast, facing forwards. In three instances he wears a shoulder-length wig, but in the second boat of the top register he wears a short wig exposing his ear. Also, in one occurence only, he holds a staff in his left hand. Three times out of four, a man who wears a pointed loincloth like the one worn by the tomb owner, stands in front of him, a hand on his shoulder as a sign of respect. It can been seen (although with difficulty) that the rowers (between 8 and 10) are at rest, their oars (more numerous than the men) being above the water.

The tomb of Irukaptah at Saqqara, also called Khenu

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