An Egyptian-Japanese archaeological team has completed the restoration and installation of 16 wooden pieces from King Khufu's Second Boat at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the achievement, stating that the project is part of an integrated plan to reassemble the boat's wooden components. The team is working to secure the pieces to a specially designed metal support structure using advanced conservation techniques. The project is a collaboration between the GEM, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Higashi Nippon International University, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The restoration and reconstruction of Khufu's Second Boat demonstrate the specialized expertise developed by Egypt and Japan in conserving organic archaeological materials. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy highlighted the partnership as an important model for international cooperation in archaeology. The project involves the exchange of expertise and the use of advanced scientific methods and technologies to preserve cultural heritage. The team is working to overcome the challenges of restoring the ancient vessel, given the condition of the archaeological wood and the large number of pieces requiring careful documentation, treatment, and assembly.
Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the GEM, noted that conducting restoration and reconstruction work in front of visitors allows them to follow the conservation process and learn about the scientific methods used to handle organic antiquities. This adds an educational dimension to the museum experience. The project is being implemented through cooperation between the GEM, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Higashi Nippon International University. The team is using digital documentation, laser scanning, and three-dimensional modeling to determine the location of each component and its structural relationship with other pieces.
Sakuki Yoshimura, president of Higashi Nippon International University and head of the Japanese side of the project, expressed his appreciation for the long-standing research cooperation with Egypt. He stressed the project's importance to archaeology and cultural heritage conservation. The Japanese side remains committed to working with the GEM and Egyptian specialists to complete the project in accordance with established scientific and technical standards. The team is working to strengthen the exchange of expertise and technologies.
Khaled Hassan, Deputy CEO for Archaeological Affairs at the GEM, highlighted the exceptional archaeological and historical value of Khufu's Second Boat. The boat is one of the rare surviving organic antiquities from the reign of King Khufu and an important example of the advanced shipbuilding and woodworking techniques achieved by ancient Egyptians. Preserving the boat requires close coordination among archaeological, conservation, and engineering specialists.
Issa Zidan, Director General of Restoration and supervisor of the Khufu Boat restoration project, explained that the wooden components were in a severely deteriorated condition when work began. The process involved carefully lifting, recording, and documenting each piece, followed by treatment, preparation, transportation, and installation in its correct position. The project uses digital documentation, laser scanning, and three-dimensional modeling to create an accurate database to help reconstruct the boat's original configuration.
The first restored wooden plank from Khufu's Second Boat was installed in December last year, marking the beginning of the boat's reconstruction inside the Khufu Boats Museum. Restoration, preparation, and installation of additional components have continued since then in accordance with the project's implementation plan. Hiromasa Kurokushi, director of the Japanese side of the project, noted that the metal support structure was designed to accommodate the delicate structural condition of the wooden components and provide the necessary support and stability.
Key points
- Egyptian-Japanese team restores 16 pieces of King Khufu's Second Boat at Grand Egyptian Museum
- Project demonstrates specialized expertise developed by Egypt and Japan in conserving organic archaeological materials
- Restoration and reconstruction work is being conducted in front of visitors, adding an educational dimension to the museum experience
