The “Ship-designs” on Prehistoric Egyptian Vases

Abstract

THE interpretation of the ship-like designs painted on the light-brown vases of prehistoric Egypt, such as those figured by Sir Flinders Petrie on plates xix.–xxii. of his “Prehistoric Egypt,” has given rise to considerable discussion. These designs, which have been considered to be “stockaded forts,” “barbaric designs of boats,” or “sea-going galleys,” present a more or less curved structure from which a long series of tall columns or “fringe-like lines” (Budge) depend from its under margin at about equal distances apart. Those who adopt the boat interpretation consider these fringe-like lines or columns to be oars. Others interpret them as sand-ripples. Upon this curved structure stand two erections designated “cabins” by some writers; by others as “two blockhouses forming a pylon entrance. ” They stand on each side over above a gap in the pendent series of fringe-like lines. The majority opinion supports the view that these pictures are ship-designs; but many find it difficult to convince themselves of the reality of this interpretation for several reasons.