Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic - faience - Shabti

Ancient Egypt – Faience Shabti (Ushabti)
Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, c. 664–30 BC

A finely modelled ancient Egyptian faience shabti, intended to serve as a funerary servant for the deceased in the afterlife.

The figure is shown in the traditional mummiform pose, with arms crossed over the chest, holding agricultural implements. The facial features are carefully rendered, with a serene expression beneath a tripartite wig. Traces of original glaze remain, now weathered to a soft pale green with natural surface encrustation consistent with age and burial conditions.

The body bears remnants of hieroglyphic inscription, likely invoking Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, calling upon the shabti to perform labour on behalf of its owner in the Field of Reeds.

Material: Faience
Culture: Ancient Egyptian
Period: Late Period – Ptolemaic Period
Date: circa 664–30 BC
Condition: Good for age. Surface wear, glaze loss, and encrustation consistent with antiquity. No modern restoration observed.
Dimensions:
• Height: 9 cm
• Width: 3.1 cm
Weight: 20 g

Shabtis were placed in tombs from the Middle Kingdom onwards and reflect deeply held beliefs regarding the afterlife, labour, and divine order (Ma’at). Examples such as this were produced in large numbers yet remain highly collectible due to their cultural and symbolic importance.

A genuine ancient artefact, ideal for collectors of Egyptian antiquities, museums, or academic study.

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