---
title: Boat of Queen Mutemwia
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5323/boat-of-queen-mutemwia/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-07-19
---

# Boat of Queen Mutemwia

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Boat of Queen Mutemwia](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5323.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5323.jpg)

## Image Caption

This [sculpture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Sculpture/) represents a sacred boat on a sledge. It included a seated figure of Queen Mutemwia, wife of Thutmose IV. Only her legs and right hand remained intact, but part of the head is also in the British Museum. Mutemwia clasps a looped cross, the hieroglyphic symbol for life (*[ankh](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ankh/)*). A vulture spreads its wings around the queen and throne. This is an image of Mut, consort of the supreme [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Amun](https://www.worldhistory.org/amun/)-Ra. In fact, Mutemwia means "Mut is in the sacred boat", so the sculpture is a also a rebus visualizing the queen's name. The double face on the prow represents [Hathor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hathor/), [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/)'s most beloved and universal goddess, whose remits included festivals and [music](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Music/). Cartouches on her crown name Mutemwia's son, king [Amenhotep III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amenhotep_III/). From the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of Amun-Ra at [Thebes](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thebes/), [Karnak](https://www.worldhistory.org/Karnak/), Egypt, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, c. 1390-1352 BCE.

The British Museum, London.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, July 22). Boat of Queen Mutemwia. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5323/boat-of-queen-mutemwia/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Boat of Queen Mutemwia." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 22, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5323/boat-of-queen-mutemwia/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Boat of Queen Mutemwia." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Jul 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5323/boat-of-queen-mutemwia/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 22 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.