Historic model ships

Ships were among the most technologically complex mechanisms of the ancient world. Ships made far-flung travel and trade more comfortable and economical, and they added a whole new facet to warfare. Thus, ships carried a great deal of significance to the people of the ancient world, and this is expressed partly through the creation of boat and ship models. Historic model ships are made of a variety of materials and were intended for different purposes. The most common purposes of include burial votives, household articles, art, and toys. While archaeologists have found ship and boat models from societies all around the Mediterranean, the three most prolific historic model ships cultures were the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Egyptians. The kinds of ships depicted in Ancient Greek models can be classified broadly as small craft, merchant vessels, and warships.

Replicas of historic model ships are meticulously constructed today, but must also be meticulously researched before construction is started. This research usually begins with our obtaining a good set of plans, if possible copies of the originals. In order to get our replicas of

historic model ships as close to the originals as possible we sometimes have to delve into ancient newspaper reports and even myths and folklore. Occasionally we are able to visit the actual ship when it still exists. Once research has been completed we start on the actual design and use computer assistance to down scale the designs. We purposely design the bulkheads to be very sturdy since the finished model can end up in any corner of the world.

The Model Shipyard
Tel: +27 44 691 1531 | Email: model.shipyard@pixie.co.za
Dock of the Bay Studio
Shop16, Ocean View Mall
Mossel Bay, 6506
South Africa

Historic Model Ship Builder