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Details

LOT 0437

Egyptian Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine

NEW KINGDOM, CIRCA 1570-1070 B.C.

5 3/4 in. (39 grams, 14.5 cm).

Carved in the round as a mummiform figure, with a carefully modelled tripartite wig, a rounded face, large eyes, and a subtly simpering expression.

Provenance

Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s.
with Liechti stock number 'E.825' to base.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12079-218221.

Literature

Cf. Schlögl, H. & Brodbeck, A., Ägyptische Totenfiguren aus öffentlichen und privaten sammlungen der Schweiz, Göttingen, 1990, p. 104, no. 43, for similar.

Footnotes

A shabti (also known as ushabti or shawabti) is a small funerary figurine found in ancient Egyptian tombs, from around 2000 BCE to 30 BCE. Its main purpose was to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife, carrying out manual tasks like farming or irrigation as directed by the gods. Shabtis were frequently inscribed with a magical formula from the Book of the Dead to ensure they would animate when summoned.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 0437

Egyptian Wooden Funerary Shabti Figurine

Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)

Print page

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