**Originally Listed At $800**

Egypt, Late Period, probably 26th (Saite) Dynasty, ca. 664 to 525 BCE. A rare and well-made example of a late period white faience ushabti (shabti) that came from a high-status, elite tomb. The face is highly detailed, with fine features, including an excellent false goatee and nemes crown. The figure holds twin hoes in its crossed hands. The body is in the standardized form of the Late Period, mummiform and with a back pillar. Size: 2" W x 4.25" H (5.1 cm x 10.8 cm)

Most notably, this ushabti has well-rendered, incised hieroglyphic text that wraps around the lower body to the back pillar. This text is a spell from Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead. Although that spell is commonly included on ushabtis, it is usually painted on, often roughly, with limited selections. The density of hieroglyphs here and how legible they are indicate that this ushabti was made for someone of high status.

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. However, wealthier Egyptians could send these small faience workers to take up the burden for them, and were often buried with hundreds of them to avoid having to work themselves.



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

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#120014

Missing lower half, portion of head reattached. The only ushabti we've een with manganese deposits - in several locations!