Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom period, 19th Dynasty, ca. 1320 to 1200 BCE. A beautiful, hand-carved wooden ushabti of an elegant presentation. The figure stands in mummiform atop projecting feet and slender legs, with both arms bent at the elbow. Rounded shoulders trace upwards to a stylized red-painted head which dons a jet-hued tripartite wig. Though faded, the painted designs would have displayed the figure holding the symbolic pick and hoe - in order to maintain the sacred fields of Osiris in the afterlife - as well as a column of hieroglyphic text down the legs. Remains of the original black, red, and white pigmentation nicely complement the wheat hue of the wood. Wooden ushabti are of far greater rarity than their faience or stone counterparts, making this an exceptional example from ancient Egypt! Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 2.375" W x 8.25" H (6 cm x 21 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Ushabti dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing 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. As a result, they are frequently depicted with arms crossed, holding picks and hoes, with baskets on their backs. This meant that the task of agricultural labor was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have ushabti made of faience, though wood was a more economical option for members of lower classes.

Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection

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#132836

Surface wear commensurate with age, small nicks to feet, body, and head, fading and abrasions to facial features and pigmentation, with inactive insect damage, otherwise very good. Nice earthen deposits and pigmentation remains throughout.