Egypt, possibly Abydos, Ptolemaic Period, ca. 332 to 30 BCE. A fabulous mold-formed faience ushabti figure covered in reflective layers of glaze that exhibits a stunning, turquoise hue across the body and a shade of cornflower blue on the wig and beard. Standing atop a trapezoidal base, the ancient figure is depicted in mummiform position with fused legs and feet, while holding a pick and hoe in arms crossed atop the chest. A seed bag is suspended from the left shoulder and displayed on the verso. Crowned by a tripartite wig, the square visage exhibits heavy-lidded eyes beneath a straight brow, a slightly crested nose, and cupped ears, and a petite mouth. A vertical dorsal pillar supports the verso. Although uninscribed, the overall iconography of this ushabti is parallel to those found with larger ushabti inscribed with the name Ta-sheryt-net-tekri. A wonderful and colorful example from ancient Egypt! Size: 1.2" W x 4.1" H (3 cm x 10.4 cm); 4.7" H (11.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Shabti (or ushabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing 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 was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. 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. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have shabtis made of coveted faience, and blue faience was meant to reflect the color of the river Nile both on earth and in the afterlife.

Cf. the examples for Ta-sheryt-net-tekri at the National Museums Liverpool World Museum, LIV.2014.65 and 44.19.23.

Provenance: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-Christie's London, "Fine Antiquities" auction (sale ANTIOPE-3284, December 10, 1985, part of lot 140); ex-Kytrias collection, acquired in 1918

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#170771

Miniscule chip to feet and 2 more to verso of back. A few areas of very minor pitting. Some abrasions to verso. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive pigments and detail. Glued to stand.