Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, ca. 1077 to 943 BCE. An ushabti (shabti), made of faience that in places is aqua blue and in others is spring green, painted with black details and hieroglyphs. Although these artifacts are relatively common, this example is a nice one, made with care for someone elite, and with much remaining detail. Size: 6" H (15.2 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on stand

Shabti (or ushabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing the traditional 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: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121422

Expected surface wear with pigment loss as shown. A few hairline pressure cracks on the surface.