A large Ancient Egyptian faience mummiform worker shabti. The figure is depicted standing, and with arms folded across the chest. The farm equipment being carried is portrayed through triangles of dark pigment over either shoulder and a hatched rectangle on the flat reverse representing a seed basket. A tripartite wig and headband in dark pigment sit on top of the head. Facial features, are now worn and chipped. Encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, indentations, and chips. The corner of the base is chipped. Particular wear to the face, left arm and the base. 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. Sometimes shabtis were also inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife. 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: L 10cm x W 3.3m Provenance: Acquired on the London art market, 1970s.