Ancient Egyptian terracotta shabti (ushabti) figure of an overseer, dating from the New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period (1550–664 BC). The figure is depicted wearing a long loincloth and overgarment, with a characteristic tripartite wig. One arm is bent across the chest, while the other extends along the side, holding a whip—an attribute associated with supervisory roles. In contrast to later faience shabtis, typically distinguished by their vivid blue glaze, this example exhibits a restrained, earthy aesthetic resulting from its manufacture in fired clay. The surface shows traces of mineral deposits and uneven coloration consistent with prolonged burial and natural accretion processes. These features have been preserved, contributing to the object’s authenticity and archaeological integrity. * Shabtis occupied a central role in ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs. Deposited within tombs, they were intended to act as substitute laborers for the deceased in the afterlife, performing obligatory agricultural and manual tasks on their behalf. ** Overseer figures embody the extension of hierarchical social organization beyond death, ensuring not only the execution of work but also its supervision and coordination. They are significantly rarer than standard shabtis. According to established funerary conventions, a full complement could include up to 365 worker shabtis (one for each day of the year) accompanied by approximately 36 overseers tasked with directing and managing their activities. For a similar please check: * National Museums Liverpool accession numbers: 36.119.94 , 56.21.586 * Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York accession number: 30.3.30.5 Artifact includes a Certificate Of Authenticity document (lifetime authenticity warranty) along with a wooden presentation pedestal to which the figure is mounted to present it in its full splendor. Dimensions: Width - 42 mm Depth - 24 mm Height - 123 mm / 163 mm on stand Very good condition PROVENANCE INFORMATION Acquired by our company from a reputable French auction house in 2026. Previous ownership history: - M. H. private collection Rouen, France (collected in the late 90's) - L.A.E. auction house collection Les Andelys, France