Explore a Pharaoh's Boat
Style
The Khufu boat is known as a papyriform vessel, because the high
ends resemble those of papyrus boats. Papyrus is a tall sedge that
the Egyptians relied on to make boats as well as cordage, sandals,
mats, and other products. Papyriform boats, commonly seen in
paintings and carvings of the dynastic period, were ceremonial: They
were used for journeys to sacred sites and by the gods. As can just
be made out here, in the ship's prow stood a second, wood-framed
canopy. Again, its intended use is unknown.