Egyptian Faience Ushabti

Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, c. 730-332 BC, Egypt

This magnificent pale green-glazed faience ushabti is a testament to the intricate beliefs and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian culture. Standing in mummiform with fused feet, the figure wears the classic tripartite wig and a false beard, both iconic symbols of Egyptian funerary art. Its crossed arms hold agricultural tools, with a seed bag slung over the left shoulder, and a shallow back pillar extending down to an integral base.

Ushabtis, or "answerers," were central to Egyptian burial customs, intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife. These small, elegantly glazed figures reflect the Egyptians’ devotion to ensuring a smooth transition to the next world, offering the deceased a means to fulfill menial tasks when called upon by the gods. Typically crafted in faience with a green or blue glaze, ushabtis were highly prized for their beauty and symbolism. Standing between 10 and 20 cm tall, they would often accompany the deceased, filling tombs with these "answerers" to guarantee a prosperous afterlife.

This ushabti represents not just a funerary tradition but also the profound significance Egyptians placed on continuity after death. With its elegant form and glazed finish, this piece is a remarkable relic of ancient spirituality and artistry—an extraordinary addition to any collection dedicated to the mysteries of ancient Egypt.

Condition: Glazing flaws and fritting, softening to some finer details, with darkening and fading to glaze pigment, otherwise intact. Size approx. 7,9cm x 2,4cm x 2,3cm.

Provenance: Belgian private collection

For a similar examples see:

Shabti, The British Museum, Accession Number: EA9323 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA9323)

Shabti, The British Museum, Accession Number: EA71273 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/Y_EA71273)