Framed Egyptian Blue Glazed Faience Shabti

£ 95.00

A framed Ancient Egyptian mummiform shabti made of blue glazed faience. The figure is depicted standing with arms folded across the chest, holding a farming tool upon each shoulder, and wearing a tripartite wig. The eyes are portrayed through slight indentations in the face, beneath is a straight nose and a long rectangular beard.The faience displays a light blue colouring. The reverse is flat and unadorned suspended in the centre of a frame. Signs of wear as consistent with age. The shabti has been placed inside the frame.

Height of the shabti: 5.7cm

NB: Measurements below include the frame.

Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period
Condition: Good. Earthy encrustation to the surface, particularly to the right side of the face.

SOLD

SKU: RCB-3 Category: Tags: , ,

Shabtis (or ushabtis) were figurines in mummified form, which were placed in Egyptian tombs to do any work required by the deceased in the afterlife. They were often inscribed with a special formula (Shabti formula), which would call them to life when recited. Sometimes shabtis were also inscribed with passages from the Book of the Dead, the intention of which was to secure safety for the deceased in the afterlife. Shabtis were mostly made of faience, but wood, bronze, and stone were also used – towards the Late Period, the number of shabtis inside the tomb increased, eventually allowing one for each day of the year.

Weight 341.2 g
Dimensions W 15.2 x H 20.5 cm
Culture

Region

Faience

Reference: For a similar item, National Museums Liverpool, item 74.51.4496

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