**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st to 25th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 664 BCE. A lovely, mold-formed, faience ushabti figure standing in a mummiform position and enveloped in a vibrant blue glaze. Capped with a tripartite wig, the minimalist face displays recessed eyes and a petite nose. The ancient figure's arms are crossed atop the chest, likely holding a pick and a hoe. Liberal remains of black pigment adorn the surface. Size: 0.7" W x 2.2" H (1.8 cm x 5.6 cm)

Ushabti (or shabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing the traditional ancient Egyptian headdresses. The ancient Egyptians believed that after they died, their spirits would have to work in the "Field of Reeds" owned by the god of the underworld, Osiris. This meant doing agricultural labor and it was required by all members of society, from workers to Pharaohs. Many displayed now-faded hieroglyphic inscriptions imbued the ushabti with power and they became servants that did the hard labor for their masters in the afterlife. By the Third Intermediate period, this practice had become so necessary and elaborate that some tombs contained one worker for every day of the year and thirty-six overseers, each responsible for ten laborers!

Provenance: private Toronto, Ontario, Canada collection, by descent, acquired in Egypt from 1894 to 1896

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167188

Expected surface wear with abrasions and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Stable hairline fissure to head. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigment.