Egypt, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 to 712 BCE. A tall pottery mummiform ushabti (shabti), mold-made, and painted a bright yellow-orange. Darker orange details outline the wig, facial details, and arms. The feet are less well-defined, with the body ending in a rounded, flat base. Many of the elements familiar from the more common later ushabtis, like the Nemes crown, hieroglyphs, back pillar, and agricultural tools are not present, making this a rarer example. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.7" W x 8.7" H (6.9 cm x 22.1 cm); size on stand: 3" W x 9.45" H (7.6 cm x 24 cm).

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. Ushabti were made to stand in for the deceased, performing the hard work. During the New Kingdom, ushabti were reserved for members of the upper class.

Provenance: Ex-Hagar Collection, St. Louis, MO

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#120006

Intact, with much remaining pigment.