Late Period, ca. 664-332 BC. A light faience ushabti. This mummiform figurine stands atop a diminutive, level base, with its hands gracefully crossed at the chest, firmly grasping the symbolic tools of the afterlife. The head of the ushabti exhibits intricate details, including a meticulously fashioned wig. An ornate column of hieroglyphs gracefully runs along the front. Notably, the reverse side of the ushabti remains unadorned, characterized by its unworked, flat surface. Ushabtis, a term derived from the ancient Egyptian word "swabty" meaning "answerer," were miniature funerary figurines intricately crafted to serve their deceased owners in the realm of the afterlife. These figurines were commonly placed within tombs, often in large numbers, as part of burial practices and beliefs in ancient Egypt. It was believed that ushabtis would magically come to life and perform manual labour and tasks in the place of the deceased in the afterworld. The intricate detail and symbolic elements present in this particular ushabti illustrate the importance placed on the provision of companionship and assistance to the deceased in their eternal journey. Size: L:48.5mm / W:16.2mm ; 5.66g Provenance: Private London collection, pre-2000s.