A dressed limestone block lashed to a heavy wooden sledge — the standard transport unit of an Old Kingdom pyramid site. Period: Old Kingdom Egypt, c. 2686-2181 BCE.
Pyramid blocks travelled from the quarry to the ramp on wooden sledges (mšd) of acacia or sycamore, lashed across with palm-fibre rope and dragged by hauling teams. The path was sometimes wetted ahead of the runners — a 2014 study of an Old Kingdom tomb scene confirmed that pouring water in front of the sledge cut friction by half. This piece fuses block, sledge runners, and lashings into one mountable transport prop.
Painting tips
- Limestone block: pale cream with sepia recess wash and lighter chip-edges.
- Sledge wood: warm acacia brown with darker runners (worn smooth on the underside).
- Lashings: tan rope, sepia knot wash.
- Optional: a wet glaze on the runners for the water-in-front trick.
Historical sources & further reading
- Mastaba of Djehutyhotep haul scene
- Fall et al. 2014, Physics of wetted-sand sledge friction
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.





