Description
An ancient Egyptian ushabti with an extensive inscription around and all over the lower body. The facial features are very well delineated, the proportions of the body pleasing and reminiscent of the highest quality large scale sculptures that Egyptian Art ever produced. Beautiful blue color, precisely inscribed hieroglyphics, they present all the earmarks of one of the best periods in Egyptian History and culture.
The ushabti also known as shabti, were thought of as “helper” figures for the dead and used extensively in Ancient Egyptian funeral preparations and in the burial of the mummified person. In later periods of Egyptian funereal practices ushabti would be strewn in abundance on the grave chamber floor, but the original practices included as many as 400 “helpers” to take care of the dead person in afterlife.
The early origins of the practice may have its origins in actual human sacrificial practices that dispatched a large number of servants together with the deceased to continue in their role as servants.
Size: 6 7/16” high (inches).
Condition: Excellent, intact. Standing on a good quality Plexiglas pedestal.
Provenance: Acquired from a Collector’s Estate Sale in 2002.
Originally, 1960’s, Private New York City Collection.
