Egyptian Green Faience Shabti for Padiusir

SKU: MS.0132

Origin: Egypt
Circa: Late Period, 664 BC to 332 BC
Dimensions: 5" Height (12.8 cm)
Medium: Faience

This Shabti figure displays a serene countenance, with finely delineated facial features and elegant proportions.  Standing mummiform with arms crossed, holding two agricultural implements, and a seed bag over his left shoulder. He wears a tripartite wig and plaited beard, with single column of hieroglyphs.


$6,000.00

Private collection, UK, acquired 19th Century; and thence by descent to the present owner

Made in quantity, due to their important role in the funeral rites, shabtis are some of the most commonly collected pieces from ancient Egypt. They come in a variety of sizes, materials, colors, level of quality, and intrigue gained from their owner's titles.

Created as servants to perform manual labor on behalf of their masters in the afterlife, shabtis are commonly depicted holding the tools of their trade. Hoes, picks, and seed bags are the most numerous, but other implements can be found. To ensure they'd obey the decesed they were inscribed with the name of their master and a summoning spell. Their name "shabti" comes from this function of being summoned and mean "the answerer." They often also are inscribed with passages from the book of the dead, which would assist the deceased's safe passage into the afterlife.

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