Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A mold-formed faience ushabti of a beautiful presentation, the figure standing in mummiform with fused legs atop an integral rectangular plinth. The symbolic pick and hoe are held in hands crossed atop the chest, with rounded shoulders held back in a dignified posture, and a petite seed bag draped behind the left shoulder. The serene countenance bears thin ovoid eyes with elongated outer canthi, a slender nose, full lips, and a plaited false beard, all beneath a simple tripartite wig. Nine lines of inscribed hieroglyphic text encircle the legs and lower body and, while untranslated, provide the name of the deceased as well as a protective incantation from Chapter 6 of the Egyptian Book of the Dead (or the Book of Going Forth by Day). Traces of original glaze - now exhibiting a dark-brown hue - are visible atop the head, one arm, and the beard. Size: 1.375" W x 5.5" H (3.5 cm x 14 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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#149959
Condition
Minor nicks and stable fissures to base, ankles, body, and head, with softening to some facial details and hieroglyphic symbols, and fading to most original glaze with darkening to remaining glaze. Light earthen deposits throughout.