Ancient Egyptian Terracotta Overseer Ushabti (Reis)
07
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07
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Current bid
€ 10
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €10 |
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Ancient Egyptian Overseer Ushabti (Reis) in ochre terracotta from the Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069–664 BC), mounted on a wooden display block, 63 mm high, in very good condition with original slip and traces of blue pigment, authenticated as original/official, acquired in 2026 from a French auction house with provenance back to a previous owner who acquired it in 1970 from an antique market.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare Ancient Egyptian Overseer Ushabti (Reis) - Third
Intermediate Period
Specifications:
Culture: Ancient Egypt.
Period: Third Intermediate Period, c. 1069–664 BC.
Material: Ochre terracotta
Dimensions: Height 63.0 mm (excluding wooden block stand).
Description:
A historically significant and rare ancient Egyptian "Overseer" ushabti (also known as a Reis). Unlike the standard worker figures equipped with agricultural tools, this figure was placed in the tomb to supervise the workers (traditionally one overseer for every ten workers), making this typology inherently rarer. The figure is modeled in ochre terracotta, clearly showing the distinctive attire of an overseer with one hand resting flat against the stomach. It beautifully retains traces of its original white slip and subtle hints of blue pigment, offering a glimpse into its ancient polychrome appearance.
Condition Report:
The artifact is a genuine ancient fragment. The feet are missing due to an ancient break. The terracotta displays beautiful, authentic surface weathering and retains original pigmentation. The piece is entirely authentic and structurally sound, guaranteeing the absolute absence of modern restorations, repainting, or hidden repairs.
Presentation:
The ushabti is mounted on a classic wooden display block, allowing for immediate and secure presentation in any collection.
Provenance & Expertise:
Acquired on the European art market. Evaluated and confirmed authentic by Mr. Daniel Lebeurrier (Expert in Ancient Art).
Rare Ancient Egyptian Overseer Ushabti (Reis) - Third
Intermediate Period
Specifications:
Culture: Ancient Egypt.
Period: Third Intermediate Period, c. 1069–664 BC.
Material: Ochre terracotta
Dimensions: Height 63.0 mm (excluding wooden block stand).
Description:
A historically significant and rare ancient Egyptian "Overseer" ushabti (also known as a Reis). Unlike the standard worker figures equipped with agricultural tools, this figure was placed in the tomb to supervise the workers (traditionally one overseer for every ten workers), making this typology inherently rarer. The figure is modeled in ochre terracotta, clearly showing the distinctive attire of an overseer with one hand resting flat against the stomach. It beautifully retains traces of its original white slip and subtle hints of blue pigment, offering a glimpse into its ancient polychrome appearance.
Condition Report:
The artifact is a genuine ancient fragment. The feet are missing due to an ancient break. The terracotta displays beautiful, authentic surface weathering and retains original pigmentation. The piece is entirely authentic and structurally sound, guaranteeing the absolute absence of modern restorations, repainting, or hidden repairs.
Presentation:
The ushabti is mounted on a classic wooden display block, allowing for immediate and secure presentation in any collection.
Provenance & Expertise:
Acquired on the European art market. Evaluated and confirmed authentic by Mr. Daniel Lebeurrier (Expert in Ancient Art).
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Third Intermediate Period, c. 1069–664 BC.
Name of object
Overseer Ushabti (Reis)
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
