Egyptian Faience Shabti Collection

Figure of a sphinx in seated pose on a tongue-shaped base, with loop between the shoulders and Nubian hairstyle. 17.48 grams total, 51 mm including stand



with Charles Ede Ltd, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above on 28 April 1994. Accompanied by a copy of the Charles Ede invoice. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The 'Nubian' hairstyle was worn by young women in connection with birth, nursing babies and applying cosmetics.

Mummiform figure wearing a tripartite wig and false beard, with arms crossed and hands holding a pick, hoe, and the cord of a seed bag slung over the left shoulder; dorsal pillar with two columns of hieroglyphic text reading: 'O this ushabti, if the Osiris Padipepet, born of Bastet-ir-dis, [is called], 'Behold me' you shall say'; display stand with legend 'Padipepet / XXVI Dyn[asty]'. 210 grams, 17 cm



From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, dating from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its primary purpose was to serve as a helper for the deceased in the afterlife, performing manual tasks like farming or irrigation. Shabtis were often inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would come to life when summoned. The relatively short inscription on this example includes the opening and closing parts of the spell.

With detailing to wings and eyes, loop for suspension above the head. 1.05 grams, 17 mm



Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Considering that Egyptian artists often depicted fly whisks in the hands of pharaohs and high officials, one might assume that flies were merely a nuisance. However, the Egyptians held flies in high regard for their speed, quick reactions, and persistence. Small fly amulets first appeared in burials during the Naqada II Period, around 3200 B.C. These amulets gained popularity, and the materials used to make them varied during the New Kingdom. They were crafted from various materials such as gold, silver, lapis lazuli, carnelian, amethyst, faience, and bone. These amulets were believed to protect against insect bites and to ward off troublesome flying creatures through apotropaic magic. Some believe they may have even symbolised the fly’s fecundity. Additionally, pharaohs would bestow gold fly-shaped pendants as military awards to honour the bravery and persistence of soldiers in battle.