Description
Egyptian ushabti made from faience, dating to 664-332 BC. Thus ushabti measures 2.75 x 1’ (7 x 2 cm). The face and beard can still be seen. The ushabti is in good condition without cracks or breaks.
An ushabti (also spelled shabti or ushabti figure) is an ancient Egyptian funerary figure typically placed in tombs to serve as a substitute for the deceased in the afterlife. These small, often finely crafted statuettes, usually made of materials like wood, stone, or faience, are inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead that were believed to ensure the deceased would have helpers to perform labor in the afterlife. Ushabtis were designed to take on the burdens of manual tasks, such as farming or carrying water, on behalf of the deceased, allowing their spirit to rest in peace. The figures often depict a mummified figure holding agricultural tools, symbolizing the promise of a comfortable and prosperous existence in the next world. The number of ushabtis buried with a person could vary, with wealthier individuals often having hundreds or even thousands to ensure the deceased’s needs were thoroughly met.
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