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Whip handle of Nebiry

Whip handle of Nebiry

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Date
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
Medium
Wood, paint
Dimensions
L. 45.4 cm (17 7/8 in.)
Department
Egyptian Art
Gallery
116
Location
116
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1923

Description

Overview Whip handle of Nebiry New Kingdom ca. 1479–1458 B.C. On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116 This whip handle probably had leather thongs attached to the slot at the top. It is inscribed with the name and title of Nebiri, who was the skipper of a boat. The inscription also names Senenmut, a well known official in the joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. Among Senenmut's titles was "Overseer of Works" which probably included oversight the boats that transported supplies for various building projects. Traces of blue paint have been found in the hieroglyphs.

As skipper of a boat, Nebiri may have used the whip to keep time for his crew of oarsmen, as seen in the detail of a wall painting shown above. View more