Jar Predynastic Period, Naqada II

The images on this vessel represent important social or religious events, the precise significance of which is not perfectly understood. Two male and two female figures stand aboard a boat, which is depicted with oars and two cabins. This seems shelters consisting of a mat on which are fixed palm leaves (used for shading?). One of the two men is alone on the aft cabin. The second is shown smaller than the two women holding a stick in his right hand (a scepter?).

In the areas surrounding the boat are mountains, birds that may represent flamingos, plants, and water.