Ancient Egyptian Faience Ushabti New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty (ca. 1293–1185 B.C.)

A finely preserved Ancient Egyptian faience ushabti figure dating to the New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, circa 1293–1185 B.C. Ushabtis were funerary servant figures placed in tombs to perform agricultural labor for the deceased in the afterlife.

This example is formed in mummiform style, with the figure standing upright, arms crossed over the chest holding the traditional agricultural implements associated with afterlife labor. The figure wears a tripartite royal-style wig, and a seed bag is depicted on the back, symbolizing the tasks the ushabti would undertake in the Fields of Reeds.

The figure is made of light blue glazed faience, a quartz-based ceramic material highly prized in ancient Egypt for its luminous color symbolizing rebirth and regeneration. The surface retains black painted details, including facial features, implements, and a vertical register of hieroglyphic inscription down the front.

Scattered earthen deposits and age-related surface patina remain present, consistent with burial and long-term antiquity. The piece is intact and well preserved, displaying the characteristic soft turquoise-blue glaze typical of New Kingdom faience.

Ushabtis of this type were commonly inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead (Spell 6), which commanded the figure to answer and perform work on behalf of the tomb owner when called upon in the afterlife.

Dimensions

• Height: 4.75 in

• Width: 1.5 in

• Depth: 1.25 in