Large Ushabti With Polychrome Decoration; Egypt, New Kingdom, Ca. 1550–1070 B.c.e. Archaeology

A remarkable Egyptian ushabti made of molded terracotta, of impressive size, measuring 17.5 cm in height without the base. The figurine still bears significant traces of black paint on a white background, a polychromatic style characteristic of funerary art from the New Kingdom (circa 1550–1070 B.C.).

Depicted in the traditional form of a mummy, the figure stands with its legs joined together in a hieratic and motionless pose. The arms, crossed over the chest, hold the tools intended for agricultural work in the afterlife, rendered here in black paint. The face, which is particularly expressive, still retains its painted eyes, lending the figure a remarkable presence.

Ushabtis—also known as shabtis or ushabtis—are funerary figurines depicting the deceased in the form of mummies. Placed in tombs, their symbolic function was to stand in for the deceased and perform, in their stead, the labor that would have been required of them in the afterlife.According to ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs, the deceased was to continue his existence in the Reed Field, a realm associated with Osiris, and might be called upon to perform various agricultural tasks there. The ushabti figurines were thus intended to take on these tasks in the deceased’s stead, becoming true “servants” of the deceased in the afterlife.

Due to its large size, the partial preservation of its polychrome paint, particularly the eyes, and the quality of its sculptural presence, this specimen constitutes a particularly interesting example of Egyptian funerary art from the New Kingdom.

Provenance:
Collection of Mrs. Schlinger and Mr. J. R. P.
Auction held on December 13, 1981, in Palaiseau, conducted by Maître Denis Martin du Nord

Height: 17.5 cm without the base.

Price excludes shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A215

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