This model of an ancient aegyptian barge can be seen in the "Neues Museum" at Berlin, next to other famous artefacts like the bust of "Nofretete". It dates from about 1900 B.C. (Middle Kingdom) and is the oldest shipmodel I have ever seen.
It comes from the grave of a man named Mentuhotep and is a travel boat which - as the folded mast shows - is on its way downstream. The hull is painted green, the deck white with red stripes, which are supposed to reflect the beam construction. The mast and the two yards rest amidships on a support post. In the cabin behind it sits Mentuhotep, almost like a mummy wrapped in a white cloak with the title and name written on it. On the outside of the yellow-painted cabin, black lines seem to indicate lacing. For this purpose, the fur-covered shield of the Mentuhotep is painted on one side. The crew consists of 16 rowers, one man pointing the way at the bow and another at the helm. A servant grinds grain, a servant kneads dough. All figures have their name and mother's name written down.
I also post pictures of a couple of other models and reliefs from the exhibition, which are among the oldest models ever built.
2 barges from a period of 2120-1750 B.C. (Middle Kingdom)
1 barge from about 3600 B.C. made of clay
A Relief wich shows fishing 2430 B.C.
A Relief wich shows the fabrication of papyrus boats 2430 B.C.
A Relief wich shows a accurate detailed barge being rowed down the Nile
