An ancient Egyptian shabti made of blue faience. The figure is depicted standing with arms folded across the chest, holding a farming tool upon each shoulder, and wearing a tripartite wig. The eyes are portrayed through slight indentations in the face, beneath which is a straight nose and long beard. The reverse is flat and unadorned, and the faience displays a light blue colouring, now mostly faded. Encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting and discolouration. There is a chip on the base of the shabti's foot on the reverse. 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 6.1cm x W 1.9cm Provenance: Early 20th Century UK Collection