Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A fine mold-formed faience ushabti figure with nine rows of hieroglyphs inscribed around the body from the waist to ankles. The mummiform figure stands atop an integral plinth with arms cross, holding tools intended to help with agricultural work in the afterlife: a pick, a hoe, and a braided rope bag over the left shoulder. The visage is comprised of serene features including almond shaped eyes, a petite nose, and full lips above a braided false beard. The head is framed with lappets of the tripartite wig that hang across the shoulders. The ushabti is glazed with a pale blue-green hue that has darkened with applications of bitumen. This is a sizable and fine example of ancient Egyptian funerary practice! Size: 1.75" W x 7.25" H (4.4 cm x 18.4 cm); 7.3" H (18.5 cm) on included custom stand.
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.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private Salisbury, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private Delaware, USA collection through inheritance, presented as a gift to the family from an R.A.F. serviceman in the 1950s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#163766
Condition
Professionally restored from three large pieces, and break lines on ankles and body are nearly indiscernible. Softening of finer details. Surface abrasions and nicks. One TL hole on base, and second TL hole on verso below headdress. Light mineral deposits.