Ancient Egyptian Wood Figure model. 19,8 cm H. Middle Kingdom, 2060-1786 BC
03
days
03
hours
33
minutes
56
seconds
Current bid
€ 130
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,900 - € 3,300
 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €120 | |
| €60 | |
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Ancient Egyptian figure model, 19.8 cm high, from the Middle Kingdom (c. 2060–1786 BC), made of wood with original pigments; good condition and authentic.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Shabti or Ushabti
- more nice in the hands than the images -
Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 2060-1786 BC
Wood and pigments
19,8 cm height without stand.
Provenance:
- Private colecction, USA. Acquired in PBA auctions. After, parisian auction 2026.
Condition: Very good, all pigment original, see photos.
During the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt (c. 2055–1650 BCE), wealthy Egyptians often placed wooden models representing scenes of everyday life inside their tombs. These miniature models were carefully crafted and painted, depicting activities such as farming, fishing, baking bread, brewing beer, herding cattle, and sailing on the Nile. They were especially popular during the Eleventh and Twelfth Dynasties and have provided modern historians with valuable information about Egyptian society.
The main purpose of these wooden models was religious and funerary. Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the deceased would continue to need food, transportation, and services. The models were thought to magically come to life and perform their tasks for the tomb owner in the next world. For example, a model showing workers grinding grain or baking bread ensured a constant supply of food, while boat models allowed the deceased to travel through the afterlife.
Most of these models were made from wood because it was easier to carve than stone and allowed artists to create detailed scenes. The figures were usually painted in bright colors and arranged to show realistic activities. Some models even included moving parts, such as oars on boats or arms on workers, demonstrating the skill of Egyptian craftsmen.
One of the most famous discoveries of such models comes from the tomb of Meketre, a high-ranking official of the Middle Kingdom. His tomb contained numerous wooden scenes depicting workshops, farms, gardens, and river boats. These models have greatly increased our understanding of daily life, technology, clothing, and economic activities in ancient Egypt.
Today, these wooden models are considered important archaeological treasures. They not only illustrate the religious beliefs of the Egyptians but also offer a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of people who lived nearly four thousand years ago. Through these miniature scenes, historians can reconstruct aspects of Egyptian culture that would otherwise have been lost to time.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateShabti or Ushabti
- more nice in the hands than the images -
Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 2060-1786 BC
Wood and pigments
19,8 cm height without stand.
Provenance:
- Private colecction, USA. Acquired in PBA auctions. After, parisian auction 2026.
Condition: Very good, all pigment original, see photos.
During the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt (c. 2055–1650 BCE), wealthy Egyptians often placed wooden models representing scenes of everyday life inside their tombs. These miniature models were carefully crafted and painted, depicting activities such as farming, fishing, baking bread, brewing beer, herding cattle, and sailing on the Nile. They were especially popular during the Eleventh and Twelfth Dynasties and have provided modern historians with valuable information about Egyptian society.
The main purpose of these wooden models was religious and funerary. Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the deceased would continue to need food, transportation, and services. The models were thought to magically come to life and perform their tasks for the tomb owner in the next world. For example, a model showing workers grinding grain or baking bread ensured a constant supply of food, while boat models allowed the deceased to travel through the afterlife.
Most of these models were made from wood because it was easier to carve than stone and allowed artists to create detailed scenes. The figures were usually painted in bright colors and arranged to show realistic activities. Some models even included moving parts, such as oars on boats or arms on workers, demonstrating the skill of Egyptian craftsmen.
One of the most famous discoveries of such models comes from the tomb of Meketre, a high-ranking official of the Middle Kingdom. His tomb contained numerous wooden scenes depicting workshops, farms, gardens, and river boats. These models have greatly increased our understanding of daily life, technology, clothing, and economic activities in ancient Egypt.
Today, these wooden models are considered important archaeological treasures. They not only illustrate the religious beliefs of the Egyptians but also offer a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of people who lived nearly four thousand years ago. Through these miniature scenes, historians can reconstruct aspects of Egyptian culture that would otherwise have been lost to time.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Middle Kingdom, 2060-1786 BC
Name of object
Figure model. 19,8 cm H. Middle Kingdom, 2060-1786 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Wood
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
