Ushabti. Egypt. Late Period (332 BC.). Shabtis were servant figures that were placed in Egyptian tombs, that carried out the tasks required of the deceased in the afterlife. It was necessary for the owner's name to be inscribed on an ushabti, along with a phrase sending them to action. The figurines were inscribed with the "shabti text" – chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead – a spell that exhorts the shabti to substitute itself if the owner is asked to till the fields, irrigate the land, or transport sand from east to west. To this end, even royal shabtis are often depicted clutching a pick and a hoe, and with a basket hanging over one or both shoulders. Provenance: Purchased by the current owner to an UK art gallery. Previously owned by B. Kickx and J. Peeters (Belgium; 1978). The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.