Egyptian Faience Shabti

Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, c.935-730 BC. A large turquoise-glazed faience shabti figurine with the upper half surviving, wearing a tripartite wig with a seshed fillet painted in black, large kohl-rimmed eyes, arms crossed and holding a hoe in each hand, painted seed-bag to the back, partial frontal column of hieroglyphs beginning with dedication formula with the name of Osiris; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. Schneider, H.D., Shabtis, Leiden, 1977, fig.4.3.1.68. 397 grams, 12.5cm (623 grams total, 18.5cm including stand) (5 (7 1/4)"). Probably from El-Aràbah Abydos (for an intact example see J. Garstang, El-Aràbah: A cemetery of the Middle Kingdom; survey of the Old Kingdom temenos; graffiti from the temple of Sety, 1901, pl. XIV – this excavation was carried out for the British School of Archaeology in Egypt founded by W.M.F. Petrie"). W.M.F. Petrie to Luxmore Newcombe, the sub-librarian at University College London (1903-1922) and chief librarian (1922-1926"). Bonhams, London, 6 July 1993, lot 6. Bonhams, London, 16 May 2002, lot 410. Private collection of Egyptologist Paul Whelan, Hertfordshire, UK Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages, a copy of the excavation report and Bonhams invoice. Shabtis were placed in tombs and were intended to act as servants for the deceased in the afterlife. The shabti figurines carry the name of the owner along with a phrase sending them to action, inscribed to the lower body and legs of the figurine.[A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]
Condition Report: Fine condition.