Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, Nubian Kingdom, 25th Dynasty, ca. 760 to 656 BCE. A dark turquoise green glazed faience ushabti, molded in mummiform posture with a smooth wig and beard. The figure holds a hoe and sickle in its crossed arms, ready to work in the afterlife. A band of hieroglyphic inscription runs down the front and onto the back. It reads: "Illuminate the Osiris Ta-sheri-en-ta-ihet, called Ta-Psamtik, born to Pa-di-neith." Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.25" W x 4.6" H (3.2 cm x 11.7 cm); height on stand: 6.5" (16.5 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. They created ushabti figures to perform this work for them, and those belonging to members of the upper class, like this one, are often inscribed with pleas to Osiris to aid them.

Translation provided by consignor.

Provenance: Ex-Private New York Collection; Ex-Manou Mobedshahi Collection.

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#120902

Intact with nicely preserved glaze overall. An earlier owner has put glue onto the bottom of the base to attach it to the stand.