Rare Egyptian Late Dynastic Wooden Ushabti

**Originally Listed At $800**

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A rare example of an ushabti carved from hard wood. The figure stands in mummiform with fused legs atop a short, integral plinth, has elbows protruding from the sides, holds the symbolic pick and hoe in arms crossed atop the chest in faded black pigment, and boasts a painted broad collar pectoral atop the chest. The serene visage is composed of almond-shaped eyes, a slender nose, full lips, and a rounded chin, all beneath a simple tripartite wig. Faint traces of blue, black, and red pigment are visible across the obverse side of the figure. Size: 2.1" W x 7.375" H (5.3 cm x 18.7 cm); 8.7" H (22.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Ushabti dolls are figures shaped like adult male or female mummies wearing traditional ancient Egyptian headdresses. 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. As a result, they are frequently depicted with arms crossed, holding picks and hoes, with baskets on their backs. This meant that the task of agricultural labor was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The wealthier nobility in Egyptian society were able to have ushabti made of faience, though wood was a more economical option for members of lower classes.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, USA collection

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#146354
Condition Report: Repairs to head as shown, with chips to white filler plaster on verso, and losses to areas of feet and verso. Minor abrasions to legs, body, and head, with a few stable hairline fissures, extensive fading to original pigment, and light encrustations. Light earthen deposits as well as fine patina throughout.