Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period Faience Shabti with Hieroglyphs






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Ancient Egyptian faience shabti with hieroglyphs from the 22nd Dynasty (c. 947–713 BC), in good condition, H 7.2 cm x W 2.4 cm, provenance from a private collection.
Description from the seller
An Egyptian mummiform light blue faience shabti with hieroglyphs written in black pigment. The shabti is presented standing in the traditional mummiform pose, with arms crossed, legs together and wearing a tripartite wig. Dark pigment outlines the hoes held in either hand. The face is modelled in relief, now heavily worn, with the eyes painted in black. A column of hieroglyphs is written in black pigment to the front of the shabti. The first two lines consist of 3 hieroglyphic signs; the eye 𓁹, the throne 𓊨 and a seated god 𓀭. Together they form the word “ Wsỉr”, referring to the god Osiris. The following signs are less clear, due to earthy encrustations and pitting, all consistent with the age of the item. The surface of the shabti is worn and faded, the base and the feet are chipped.
Shabtis (or ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to do any work required by the deceased in the afterlife. They were often inscribed with a special formula (Shabti formula), which would call them to life when recited. Shabtis were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used, towards the Late Period, the number of shabtis inside the tomb increased, eventually allowing one for each day of the year.
Measurements (Circa): H 7.2cm x W 2.4cm
Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.
Seller's Story
An Egyptian mummiform light blue faience shabti with hieroglyphs written in black pigment. The shabti is presented standing in the traditional mummiform pose, with arms crossed, legs together and wearing a tripartite wig. Dark pigment outlines the hoes held in either hand. The face is modelled in relief, now heavily worn, with the eyes painted in black. A column of hieroglyphs is written in black pigment to the front of the shabti. The first two lines consist of 3 hieroglyphic signs; the eye 𓁹, the throne 𓊨 and a seated god 𓀭. Together they form the word “ Wsỉr”, referring to the god Osiris. The following signs are less clear, due to earthy encrustations and pitting, all consistent with the age of the item. The surface of the shabti is worn and faded, the base and the feet are chipped.
Shabtis (or ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to do any work required by the deceased in the afterlife. They were often inscribed with a special formula (Shabti formula), which would call them to life when recited. Shabtis were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used, towards the Late Period, the number of shabtis inside the tomb increased, eventually allowing one for each day of the year.
Measurements (Circa): H 7.2cm x W 2.4cm
Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.
Seller's Story
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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.
