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AN EGYPTIAN TURQUOISE-BLUE FAIENCE USHABTI FOR THE OSIRIS TANET-ISIS
Third Intermediate Period, Dynasty XXI–XXII, circa 1070–715 B.C.
Of typical mummiform type, the figure stands with legs fused and feet slightly protruding, arms crossed over the chest. It wears a plain tripartite wig with lappets falling over the shoulders. Facial features are simply modeled; eyes, brows, and other details are picked out in black. The body is covered in a pale turquoise-blue glaze with darker mottling and surface accretions consistent with burial. A vertical column of hieroglyphs in black pigment runs down the front of the body (with additional signs visible on the sides), reading for “the Osiris Tanet-Isis.”
Height: approx. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
The ushabti (or shabti) was a funerary servant figurine placed in the tomb to perform agricultural labor in the afterlife on behalf of the deceased. By the Third Intermediate Period such figures were mass-produced in faience and commonly inscribed with the owner’s name preceded by “Osiris,” identifying the deceased with the god of the underworld. Tanet-Isis (“She of Isis” / “The one belonging to Isis”) is a theophoric woman’s name of the period.
Condition: Intact. Typical wear, pitting, glaze loss, and earthen encrustation; black pigment remains clearly legible in places. No restoration apparent.
This is a characteristic worker ushabti of the period, when tombs often contained large numbers of similar figures (ideally 365 workers plus overseers). The pale blue faience and painted details are typical of Theban and related production of Dynasties 21–22.
Note: Each item is sold as pictured, Each item sold will be accompanied by provenance information paperwork. These relics having been acquired alongside other ancient Egyptian art acquired prior to 1980. It is important to note that there is on all our sales. We prioritize the utmost care and attention when packing all antiquities. However, despite our thorough protective measures, we cannot assume responsibility for any damage that may occur during unpacking or handling, including potential handling by USPS.
Given the significant age of these items, we strongly advise handling them with extreme care and unpacking them with the utmost caution. If you choose a piece with noticeable restoration work, please consider the possibility of increased fragility, as restored works may be more delicate than their raw counterpart
