Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, ca. 1070 to 712 BCE. A very pale green ushabti (shabti) with hieroglyphs inscribed down the lower front, in the standard mummiform design, with the arms crossed over the chest holding agricultural implements. Size: 1.2" W x 4.6" H (3 cm x 11.7 cm)

Ushabti 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. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have shabtis made of faience; blue faience was meant to reflect the color of the river Nile both on earth and in the afterlife. The hieroglyphic inscriptions gave the shabti their power, telling Osiris that they were to do work for him.

Provenance: Ex-Hagar Collection, Ex-private North Carolina collection acquired in the 1980's

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#119261

Repaired in center; hieroglyphs are worn but still present.