Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Article: A Different Configuration for the Quarter-Rudders on the Khufu I Vessel

International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 

March 2012, Volume 41, Issue 1.

A Different Configuration for the Quarter-Rudders on the Khufu I Vessel (c.2566 BC), and Egyptian Methods of Mounting Quarter-Rudders and Oars in the 4th and 5th Dynasties. By Samuel Mark.

A review of the Khufu I vessel (c.2566 BC) and contemporary Egyptian iconography (c.2613–2345 BC) suggest this vessel was originally fitted with six pairs of quarter-rudders, instead of one pair. Furthermore, quarter-rudders may have been mounted on knob-shaped thole-pins, instead of crossbeams. The iconography also suggests that each quarter-rudder was fitted with a loom-line and specialized grommet, and rowers may have used a similar system to mount their oars. Finally, a recently published depiction of Sahure sailing a boat may show an anchor secured on the stern deck.




No comments: