TOP: THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY. BOTTOM: WERNER FORMAN/GTRES2413567a 19th-century illustration of a bark of Amun
(above) contains elements that are frequently
found in period representations of the vessels
used in Opet. 1 The processional bark of Amun-
Re was placed on 2 a large river barge for the
journey between Luxor and Karnak along the
Nile. The barge is decorated at the prow and at
the stern with 3 rams’ heads, sacred symbols of
Amun-Re. 4 A pharaoh wears 5 a ceremonial
khepresh crown topped by the vulture goddess
Nekhbet. Between the pharaoh and the shrine
is 6 a smaller bark borne by the jackal-headed
souls of Nekhen, who represent the living king’s
deceased ancestors and reinforce his legitimacy.
At the back of the boat are 7 two more sacred
barks with oars.FERRIES OF
THE GODS
A BRONZE BARK FROM THE
FOURTH CENTURY B.C. BEARS
A SHRINE AND RESTS ON THE
CROCODILE DEITY SOBEK, WHO
IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH
THE NILE. CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN
MUSEUM, LISBON3