Ancient Egypt – Faience Shabti – New Kingdom to Late Period (c. 1550–332 BC) Material: Faience Size: Approx. 35 mm Weight: Approx. 3.51 g Condition: Beautifully preserved with surface encrustations Provenance: From an old European collection, acquired prior to 2000 A finely preserved ancient Egyptian faience shabti, displaying a vibrant turquoise glaze with traces of burial accretions. Despite its small size, the figure is well-formed, showing the characteristic mummiform posture with arms crossed. Meaning & Function Shabtis (also called ushabtis) were funerary servant figures placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the Afterlife. According to Egyptian belief, the dead might be called upon to perform agricultural labour in the Fields of Osiris. A magical spell (usually Spell 6 from the Book of the Dead) ensured that the shabti would answer on behalf of the owner whenever summoned, performing the required tasks in their stead. Thus, shabtis acted as a form of spiritual labour substitute, ensuring comfort, ease, and eternal provision for the tomb owner. Wealthier individuals were sometimes buried with hundreds of them—one for each day of the year, plus overseers—while smaller examples like this served as personal, affordable protections for the afterlife. Description This example retains its original faience glaze, a material prized in Egypt for its symbolic association with rebirth, life, and divine radiance. The compact, neatly moulded form is typical of the New Kingdom to Late Period, when shabtis became widespread and democratised across social classes. Condition Very good ancient condition with glaze preservation and minor encrustations from burial. No restoration. A highly attractive piece. A charming and culturally significant funerary figurine representing one of the most iconic artefacts of ancient Egyptian belief. Important: The seller guarantees the item has been legally acquired and is authorised for sale. (24)