A good green glazed faience ushabti, finely moulded in mummiform, wearing a tripartite wig and plaited divine beard. The face is beautifully defined with incised mouth, large almond shaped eyes and faint ears. The arms are crossed on the chest, hands protude from a shroud to hold a flail in each fist, the right hand also holding a twisted rope connected to an seed sack behind the left shoulder. Vertical column of incised text at the front reads: "Illuminate the Osiris Aset(em)kheb, born of Tasheritentaihet, true of voice." Shallow dorsal pillar at back.
Shabti were figures placed in ancient Egyptian tombs in order to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They hold objects (in this case flails and a basket) that they will use to work, and are carved with inscriptions; usually a passage from the Book of the Dead.
Condition: Small loss to tip of nose, otherwise the shabti is in excellent condition with no cracks or breaks. Mounted.
Dimensions: height: 4 3/4 inches (12 centimeters)
Provenance: Private NJ collection, acquired from the NY trade in the late 1960's..
