Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period Light Blue Faience Worker Shabti






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Description from the seller
A fine Ancient Egyptian worker shabti made from a light blue faience. The shabti is shown mummiform, with its arms crossed over its chest holding farming implements, the feet joined, and the head featuring a tripartite wig. The reverse of the moulded figure is flat, showing the painted details of the wig and the seed basket worn on the back. Earthy encrustations to the surface consistent with its age create a mottled appearance. Wear to the obverse obstructing the details of the face and the front of the body.
Shabtis (or ushbatis) are among the most numerous of all Egyptian antiquities, as they played a major role in funeral rites. They were intended to act as servants for the deceased and to perform any manual labour for their master in the afterlife. For this to be possible, it was necessary that each shabti present in the grave had the name of their master inscribed on it and also a summoning spell to which they replied. In fact, shabti – or ushabti – translates as “the answerer”. Such figurines could also be inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife.
Measurements (circa): L 9.4cm x W 3.6cm
Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.
Seller's Story
A fine Ancient Egyptian worker shabti made from a light blue faience. The shabti is shown mummiform, with its arms crossed over its chest holding farming implements, the feet joined, and the head featuring a tripartite wig. The reverse of the moulded figure is flat, showing the painted details of the wig and the seed basket worn on the back. Earthy encrustations to the surface consistent with its age create a mottled appearance. Wear to the obverse obstructing the details of the face and the front of the body.
Shabtis (or ushbatis) are among the most numerous of all Egyptian antiquities, as they played a major role in funeral rites. They were intended to act as servants for the deceased and to perform any manual labour for their master in the afterlife. For this to be possible, it was necessary that each shabti present in the grave had the name of their master inscribed on it and also a summoning spell to which they replied. In fact, shabti – or ushabti – translates as “the answerer”. Such figurines could also be inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife.
Measurements (circa): L 9.4cm x W 3.6cm
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.
