EGYPTIAN FAIENCE USHABTI

Late Period, 30th Dynasty, Ca. 332 BC
An ushabti crafted from light blue glazed composition 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. The figurine stands as a miniature representation of the deceased, meticulously adorned and imbued with spiritual purpose. Adorned with an intricately designed wig, the ushabti emulates the hairstyles of the elite in ancient Egyptian society. This wig, typically tripartite in nature, features carefully sculpted layers that frame the face and cascade down the back, adding an element of regality to the figurine's appearance. Enhancing its distinguished countenance, the ushabti boasts a braided false beard, symbolizing the wisdom and authority associated with the deceased. The front of the 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 a small integral flat base, the ushabti stands in a poised and attentive stance, with its arms crossed firmly over its chest. In its clenched fist, it tightly grasps an agricultural tool, such as a hoe or pick, 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 a productive contributor within the cosmic order of the next realm. At the back of the 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 figurine's role as a guardian and servant of the deceased. Ushabtis played a vital role in ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs, representing the individual's desire for a comfortable and prosperous afterlife. This figurine was created with meticulous craftsmanship and adorned with personalized inscriptions, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the living and the dead. By placing ushabtis in 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:70mm / W:15mm ; 10g
Provenance: Private London collection, ex. B. Kickx and J. Peeters collections, pre 1978, Belgium.
Estimate: GBP 150 - 250