Egyptian Faience Ushabti w/ Hieroglyphs

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A finely preserved, mold-formed faience ushabti with a column of hieroglyphs inscribed horizontally across the waist and vertically in front of the legs and chest. The mummiform figure stands atop an integral plinth while holding tools intended to help with agricultural work in the afterlife; a pick and hoe in crossed arms, as well as a braided rope carrying a bag over its left shoulder. Framed with the lappets of the tripartite wig, the face is turned just slightly to the right and features almond-shaped eyes, a broad straight brow, and a smirking mouth above a plaited false beard. Lustrous glaze in hues of sage and faint turquoise envelops the entire figure in wondrous color. Size: 1" L x 0.8125" W x 5.877" H (2.5 cm x 2.1 cm x 14.9 cm)

Ushabti (or shabti) dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing traditional ancient Egyptian headdresses that were left in tombs to function as servants for the recently deceased and help them with agricultural work in the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed that after they died, their spirits would have to work in the "Field of Reeds" owned by the god of the underworld, Osiris. This meant doing agricultural labor was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158396
Condition Report: Minor nicks, abrasions, softening of detail, and earthen deposits as commensurate with age. Overall, intact and excellent