Egyptian Turquoise Faience ‘Overseer’ Shabti

Egyptian Turquoise Faience ‘Overseer’ Shabti

Name: Egyptian Turquoise Faience ‘Overseer’ Shabti
SKU: CY-302
Availability: InStock

£ 150.00

An ancient Egyptian mummiform shabti modelled in turquoise glazed faience. The figure is depicted standing, wearing a short wig painted in black. His left arm is bent across his waist and he is holding a whip in his hand, whilst his right arm hangs down by his side. The detailing to the face has now worn, though facial features are still distinguishable. The reverse of the shabti is flattened and undecorated.

Please note the shabti does not stand unaided.

Date: Circa 1070-664 BC
Period: Third Intermediate Period
Condition: Fine condition, some loss of the original glaze alongside encrustations and some discolouration to the surface. Repair to the lower body with a horizontal crack visible across the legs.

In stock

SKU: CY-302 Category: Shabtis Tags: Funerary Art, Male Figures

Description
Additional information

Shabtis (or Ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to perform any manual labour required by the deceased in the afterlife. This particular statuette is a Shabtis Overseer, responsible for coordinating the work of other ushabtis. During the Third Intermediate Period, the number of shabtis allocated to an individual increased substantially. A total of 401 shabtis were often included; 365 ‘worker’ shabtis and 36 ‘overseer’ types, with ten workers assigned to each overseer. With an increase in demand, shabtis became smaller in size and less defined. The figurines were mould-made with highlighted accents in black pigment and the backs were usually trimmed flat.