Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti

Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti

An ancient Egyptian large limestone shabti, the mummiform figure's arms, painted in red, are crossed holding a hoe, pick and seed bag over the shoulder. There is a vertical column of text at the front with four rows of horizontal Hieroglyphic text around the body on a yellow field.

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty,
Ca. 1550-1293 BC.
Height: 7 in. (17.5 cm).

Shabtis were first introduced in the Middle Kingdom as substitutes for the the mummy in case it was destroyed. During the Second Intermediate Period inscribed wooden figures called shawabtis (after the Egyptian word for wood, shawab) began to be placed in tombs. During the New Kingdom, shabtis assumed a new role as servant figures for the deceased. They were now depicted with agricultural equipment. By the Third Intermediate Period, the number of shabtis placed in the tomb was set at 401 (365 workers and 36 overseers). During the Late Period the tomb figures became known as ushabtis ('answerers'), these figures represented servants who would magically answer when called upon to perform agricultural duties for the Pharaoh (in the form of Osiris) in the afterlife. Their main function was to ensure the individual's comfort and freedom from daily labor in the next life.

Formerly in the collection of Sgt. William Elliott of 1st Battalion Scots Guards (d.1915); J. G. Judd collection (b.1923), 1940s.

Inv#: 5491

$12,500



Guaranteed Authentic


More Images:

  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti
  • Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Shabti

 

 

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