Egyptian Shabtis

Shabti (or ushabti) were figurines, in the form of mummies, placed in an ancient Egyptian tomb to work for the deceased in the afterlife. They can be seen holding agricultural tools to aid them in this task. As early as the 18th Dynasty the importance of the worker is evident, as is the inclusion of an overseer, who manages the workers in the afterlife. They were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used.