An Egyptian green glazed composition Shabti Late Period, Circa 664-332 B.C.

Of typical form, with tripartite wig and holding a pick and hoe and seed bag over the shoulder, with six vertical columns of hieroglyphs inscribed for 'Irthoreru', and includes the spell from The Book of the Dead Chapter 6. Set on an integral square base with back pillar. 6¾in (17.2cms ) high

Shabti; A Funnery figure, of mummiform appearance. The origin of the word Shabti is unknown but by the late period the term 'Shabti' meaning 'Answerer' was in general use. Shabtis were buried with the deceased and vary in style, material and hieroglyphic content; this would often be determined by the wealth of the person who commissioned it. Some of the best examples of Shabtis were composed of faience during the 26th to 30th Dynasty (as in the example shown here). The purpose of the Shabti was to carry out the duties that was asked of it from its' deceased owner in the afterlife.

From the New Kingdom onwards (1550-1070 BC), shabtis were shown holding agricultural implements, such as hoes and seed sacks. The tools were there to help them carry out the maintenance of the 'Field of Reeds' on behalf of their deceased master in the afterlife. Shabtis would normally have the owner's name inscribed upon it and would answer the call to this name when summuned to carry out its' master'/mistress's tasks.

'O Shabti (name of deceased-Irthoreru) be summoned to do any work which has to be done in the realm of the dead-to make arable the fields, to irrigate the land or to convey sand from east to west; "Here am I", you shall say, " I shall do it".'

Condition - Excellent apart from small chip to the nose, hieroglyphics very clear and visible. Intact, No restoration or repair

Provenance:
Property of a private English collector, Mr F. of Surrey (1909-1984), acquired in the 1960s

GBP £2,800 Stock No;2002

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