COLLECTION OF THREE EGYPTIAN FAIENCE USHABTIS

Late Period, 30th Dynasty, Ca. 332 BC
A group of three ushabtis crafted from light blue glazed composition, each captivates with its refined artistry and symbolic significance. Ushabtis, also known as shabtis, were funerary figurines created to serve a crucial role in the beliefs and practices surrounding the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Each figurine stands as a miniature representation of the deceased, meticulously adorned and imbued with spiritual purpose. Adorned with intricately designed wigs, the ushabtis emulate the hairstyles of the elite in ancient Egyptian society. These wigs, typically tripartite in nature, feature carefully sculpted layers that frame the face and cascade down the back, adding an element of regality to the figurines' appearance. Enhancing their distinguished countenance, each ushabti boasts a braided false beard, symbolizing the wisdom and authority associated with the deceased. The front of each ushabti bears a column of hieroglyphs meticulously inscribed upon the glazed surface. These hieroglyphs provide a direct link to the individual and their identity, often including titles, names, and prayers intended to guide and protect them in the afterlife. Serving as a personalized invocation, these inscriptions establish a profound connection between the ushabti and the departed, ensuring their continued presence and assistance beyond earthly existence. Resting upon small integral flat bases, the ushabtis stand in a poised and attentive stance, with their arms crossed firmly over their chests. In their clenched fists, they tightly grasp agricultural tools, such as hoes or picks, symbolizing the deceased's readiness to perform manual labor in the afterlife. This gesture signifies the individual's dedication to fulfilling their responsibilities and maintaining their role as productive contributors within the cosmic order of the next realm. At the back of each ushabti, a dorsal pillar adorned with hieroglyphs adds an additional layer of symbolism and significance. This pillar represents the backbone of the revered deity Osiris, embodying stability, endurance, and eternal life. The inclusion of this element serves to reinforce the connection between the ushabti and the realm of the divine, emphasizing the figurines' role as guardians and servants of the deceased. Ushabtis played a vital role in ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs, representing the individual's desire for a comfortable and prosperous afterlife. These figurines were created with meticulous craftsmanship and adorned with personalized inscriptions, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the living and the dead. By placing ushabtis in the tombs, the Egyptians sought to ensure the deceased's perpetual presence and assistance in the afterlife, embodying their beliefs in continuity, divine order, and the profound connection between the mortal and the eternal realms.
Size: L:65-68mm / W:15-15mm ; 20.42g
Provenance: Private London collection, ex. B. Kickx and J. Peeters collections, pre 1978, Belgium.
Estimate: GBP 400 - 600