This artifact, stemming from the New Kingdom era in Egypt, approximately 1550-1069 BCE, is a chariot representative of both royal and military use, exemplifying highly skilled craftsmanship.
Constructed primarily from Tamarisk and Elm, valued for their durability and lightweight characteristics, the chariot showcases a combination of practicality and ornamentation, indicative of status during this period. Embedded within the artifact's structure is the symbolism and customs of New Kingdom Egypt, a reflection of both military might and regal formality prevalent thousands of years ago.
With dimensions of approximately 1.3 meters in height and 2.7 meters in length, the chariot was built to accommodate a single rider within its box-like body. The structure, formed of interlocking wooden elements, displays a sophisticated assembly method that serves as evidence of the technical capability of ancient Egyptian society.
The chariot's wheels, pivotal to its operation, are approximately 1 meter in diameter, adorned with vibrant pigments and sturdy leather fastenings. Their fabrication using bent wooden planks illustrates the integration of aesthetic value with functional necessity in artifacts of this period.
The chariot's surface is decorated with patterns and figures of celestial and terrestrial beings, reflecting the religious and philosophical beliefs of ancient Egypt. Images of hawks, lotus blooms, and mythological scenes are intricately represented through careful line-work and inlays, utilized alongside ebony, ivory, and predominant gold leaf. This artistry serves as a display of the skills possessed by the craftsmen and adds layers of spiritual and political significance to the artifact.
