A GROUP OF FIVE EGYPTIAN SHABTIS AND A BA-BIRD, CIRCA 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.

A GROUP OF FIVE EGYPTIAN SHABTIS AND A BA-BIRD
CIRCA 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
Comprising an Egyptian wood shabti with remains of polychrome decoration representing mummy bandages, wearing a tripartite wig and broad collar, with seed bag and two water jars over the shoulders, a single column of hieroglyphs down the front, New Kingdom, 19-20 Dynasty, circa 1307-1070 B.C.; a green faience shabti with single column of hieroglyphs down the back pillar for Psamtek-seneb, born to Ir-tw-rw, Late Period, circa 7th-4th Century B.C.; three small green and turquoise uninscribed shabtis, all Third Intermediate Period, circa 1070-712 B.C.; and a wood ba-bird, the human-headed falcon standing on integral base, wearing a tripartite wig, with long wing feathers crossing over the tail, Late Period, circa 6th-4th Century B.C.
8 ¼ in. (21 cm.) high max.

Provenance

Almost certainly acquired by either William James (1854-1912) or his brother Frank James (1851-1890), who both travelled extensively in Egypt and the rest of Africa, and by descent to Edward James (1907-1984) in London and later at Monkton House (two larger shabti figures and ba-bird recorded there in 1977); subsequently moved to West Dean House circa 1986 (recorded there in 1987).