{"product_id":"egyptian-faience-ushabti-fragment","title":"Egyptian Faience Ushabti Fragment","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eLate Period, 26th–30th Dynasty, c. 688–332 BC, Egypt\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA finely moulded Egyptian faience ushabti fragment dating to the Late Period, preserving the upper portion of a mummiform funerary servant. Although the lower body has been lost in antiquity, the figure remains remarkably expressive and retains many of its original details, testifying to the skill of ancient Egyptian craftsmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe arms are crossed over the chest in the traditional pose, each hand holding an agricultural implement—a pick and a hoe—symbolizing the labor the ushabti was destined to perform on behalf of the deceased in the afterlife. A seed bag is suspended over the rounded shoulders, further identifying the figure as one of the eternal workers charged with cultivating the fertile \"Field of Reeds,\" the idyllic realm of the dead ruled by Osiris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe face is rendered with elegant simplicity, featuring elongated almond-shaped eyes with extended outer canthi, a small straight nose, softly modelled cheeks, and a rounded chin. The figure wears a curved divine beard, while the forehead is encircled by a narrow headband beneath a finely modelled tripartite wig, both characteristic features of Late Period ushabtis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUshabtis—also known as shabtis or shawabtis—formed an essential part of ancient Egyptian funerary equipment. They were placed within tombs to serve as magical substitutes for the deceased, answering the call to perform agricultural and other manual tasks in the afterlife. By the Late Period, burials often contained large numbers of these figures, each intended to ensure that the owner would enjoy an existence free from physical labor for eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe figure is fashioned from Egyptian faience, a silica-based glazed composition made primarily from finely ground quartz with copper compounds that produced its distinctive blue or blue-green glaze. Known to the ancient Egyptians as \u003ci\u003etjehenet\u003c\/i\u003e (\"the dazzling\" or \"the brilliant\"), faience was closely associated with rebirth, regeneration, and the life-giving waters of the Nile, making it an especially appropriate material for funerary objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDespite its fragmentary condition, this ushabti remains a compelling example of Late Period funerary art, embodying the religious beliefs, technical accomplishment, and enduring artistic traditions of ancient Egypt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGood condition. Fragment as shown. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with fading to some finer features, with glazing flaws and fritting. Size approx. 3,5cm x 2,1cm x 1,5cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Belgian private collection\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Göta's World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57161849471241,"sku":"100100623","price":125.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1557\/5561\/files\/IMG_0124_e9771198-271e-4e1a-8433-2f383bdd8e13.jpg?v=1782728211","url":"https:\/\/gotasworld.com\/products\/egyptian-faience-ushabti-fragment","provider":"Göta's World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}