Description:

Egypt, New Kingdom to Third Intermediate Period, 18th to 24th Dynasty, ca. 1549 to 653 BCE. A wonderful faience ushabti enveloped in brilliant azure-hued glaze with wig, eyes, implements, and an inscription delineated in darker, ultramarine pigment. The verso is left unglazed, save for black-painted hair and a bag of grain whose central placement is indicative of the New Kingdom to Third Intermediate period. Travelling centrally down the mummiform body, the inscription may translate to Tefnakht, the prince of Sais and first king of the 24th Dynasty. The ancient Egyptians believed that after they died, their spirits would have to work in the "Field of Reeds" owned by the god of the underworld, Osiris. As a result, ushabtis are frequently depicted with arms crossed, holding picks and hoes, with baskets on their backs. This meant that the task of agricultural labor was required by all members of society, from workers to pharaohs. The brilliant blue of this ushabti is associated with the sky and the Nile, and thus represents the universe, creation, and fertility. Size: 1" W x 3.6" H (2.5 cm x 9.1 cm)

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from Superior Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA March 9, 1978

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#180910

  • Condition: Feet have been professionally reattached with light restoration over break line. Expected light surface wear as shown, but otherwise, excellent with great preservation of pigment. Old collection label on verso.

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September 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
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