Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, ca. 1069 to 945 BCE. Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom, 18th to 19th Dynasty, ca. 1550 to 1189 BCE. A stunning funerary figure of tall form called an overseer ushabti that is mold-formed from faience and enveloped in layers of brilliant blue glaze. Standing atop broad feet with fused legs, the figure presents with raised arms crossed atop the chest and holding a pair of hoes for tending the fields of Osiris in the Afterlife; a black seed bag is painted along the verso and hangs between both shoulders. Liberal remains of wide eyes, a flared nose, and fleshy lips are shown on the face, all framed by a black wig and prominent projecting ears. A single line of hieroglyphs travels vertically down the body, translating to, "The Osiris, Khensronpe, beatified." Size: 0.8" L x 1.4" W x 4.3" H (2 cm x 3.6 cm x 10.9 cm)

Ushabti (or shabti) 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 - and it was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have shabtis made of faience which was typically covered in brilliant blue glaze; its color was meant to reflect the color of the river Nile both on earth and in the afterlife.

Ushabti were first introduced in the Middle Kingdom as substitutes for the mummy in case it was destroyed. During the Second Intermediate Period inscribed wooden figures called shawabtis (after the Egyptian word for wood, shawab) began to be placed in tombs. During the New Kingdom, ushabti assumed a new role as servant figures for the deceased. They were now depicted with agricultural equipment. By the Third Intermediate Period, the number of shabti placed in the tomb was set at 401 (365 workers and 36 overseers). During the Late Period the tomb figures became known as ushabtis ('answerers'), these figures represented servants who would magically answer when called upon to perform agricultural duties for the Pharaoh (in the form of Osiris) in the afterlife. Their main function was to ensure the individual's comfort and freedom from daily labor in the next life.

ex-Emil Brugsch Collection, curator of the Bulaq Museum, Cairo, Egypt; Exhibited at the Drexel Museum, Philadelphia, 1895 to 1914; with the Drexel Institute Collection, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 1915 to 1958, ref. no. 16.387; at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) from 1986 to 1991; in the University of Arizona Museum of Art, October 1993 to December 1993; and in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 1996 to 2023

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, purchased from Superior Auction, Los Angeles, California, USA, March 15, 1975; ex-L. Blumka collection, 1958; ex-Emil Brugsch Collection, curator of the Bulaq Museum, Cairo, Egypt; Exhibited at the Drexel Museum, Philadelphia, 1895 to 1914; with the Drexel Institute Collection, Minneapolis Museum of Art, 1915 to 1958, ref. no. 16.387; at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) from 1986 to 1991; in the University of Arizona Museum of Art, October 1993 to December 1993; and in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 1996 to 2023

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#182226

Expected minor chips, nicks, and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, intact with liberal remaining pigments and detail. Old collection number inscribed on verso near feet.