Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, ca. 1292 to 1189 BCE. A mold-formed faience ushabti with black-painted hieroglyphics inscribed vertically down its legs. The figure stands in mummiform with fused legs and holds black-painted 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. The peaceful visage exhibits slender, black-painted eyes, arching brows, a triangular nose, full lips embellished with a black striation, and a tapered chin, all beneath a tripartite wig. Size: 6.75" H (17.1 cm)
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. This meant doing agricultural labor - and it was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs.
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor’s location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: Private West Hollywood, California, USA collection; es-Dr. John Schaeffer estate, acquired from the 1960s - 1980s
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#177333
Condition
Overall in good condition, small chip to the left elbow, misfiring to the verso.