How to Make an Egyptian Reed Boat Craft Project

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With the Nile stretching through their domain, ancient Egyptians developed boats to take them from one location to another. Reeds, found in marshes, are fairly durable and were used by the Egyptians to create massive boats that transported people, animals and goods throughout the country. Creating an Egyptian reed boat will help you learn about the transportation methods of the ancient Egyptians.

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Egyptian art shows how important boats were to this ancient culture.

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Things You'll Need

  • Reeds

  • Ruler

  • Acrylic Paint

  • Twig

  • Paintbrushes

  • Scissors

  • Hot Glue

  • Bowl Of Water

  • White Card Stock

  • Twine

Step 1

Measure the reeds and cut them all to 10 inches long with scissors. Bundle the reeds together and tie each end of the bundle with twine. You may need to glue the twine to the reeds to help keep the shape of the boat. Carefully bend the middle of the bunch of reeds so that there is a curve. Egyptian reed boats were crescent shaped so that people or cargo could be placed in the middle of the boat.

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Step 2

Place a dime-sized amount of hot glue in the center of the indent you just created. Hold the twig upright in place on the glue until it is firmly attached to the reeds as the boat's mast.

Step 3

Cut a square of white card stock, 5 inches by 5 inches, for the boat's sail. . Use a hieroglyphics guide to lightly draw a message on the sail. You could write your name or some other message. When you have laid out your hieroglyphics, paint them in using acrylic paints. Use bright colors.

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Step 4

Cut a small slit in the top and bottom of the card stock sail. Carefully slide the sail onto the twig, being sure that you don't tear the sail.

Step 5

Fill a bowl with water and place your reed boat in. See if the boat floats and pretend that your boat is on the Nile.

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