Lot 504
Beautiful Egyptian Pale Blue & Green Faience Ushabti, New Kingdom, 8½" Tall, Custom Presentation Base. Ushabti priest figure (26th - 30th Dynasty, ca. 664-342 B.C.) of typical slender form wearing a braided beard and striated tripartite wig and holding the pick, the hoe and seed-sack. Nine lines of hieroglyphic are inscribed with a text (Book of the Dead chapter 6, the 'shabti spell') detailing their obligations, the Egyptians ensured that shabti could be magically activated in the afterlife. Instructions by the deceased to answer for him should he be called upon to cultivate the fields, clear the irrigation channels or perform similar work. Usually from the later New Kingdom, the number of ushabti in a burial would be 365, one for each day of year. A magnificent example in superb condition free from repairs or faults. Custom mounted on near pyramidal, polished wood base. Figure 8½" (20cm) tall with, base 11" tall. Estimate Value $5,000 - UP
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