Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, ca. 1292 to 1189 BCE. A mold-formed faience ushabti enveloped in pale blue glaze that is accentuated with applied black pigment. The mummiform figure stands with fused legs, holds both arms across the chest, and has a rectangular seed bag draped down the center of the back. A large royal wig frames the minimalist visage while thick eyebrows and a broad nose define the physiognomy. A column of black hieroglyphs down the front of the legs reads, "The Osiris, Horemheka," a dedication for the deceased; the name Horemheka translates to "Horus is ruler." Size: 1.6" W x 5" H (4.1 cm x 12.7 cm); 5.625" H (14.3 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, which was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. 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.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-Fortuna Fine Arts, New York City, New York, USA

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#175454

Repair at ankles with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions, with light fading to pigment, pitting in scattered areas, and light earthen deposits, otherwise in excellent condition. Nice preservation to figural form and hieroglyphs.