Box for Shabtis for As-ankh, singer of Amun-Re
Date: 22nd Dynasty (945-712 BCE)
Dimensions:
12 7/8 × 15 3/8 × 6 3/4 in. (32.7 × 39.1 × 17.1 cm)
Medium: wood with paint
Place of Origin: Luxor, Egypt
Classification: Utilitarian Objects
Credit Line: Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1906.28
Label Text:Ancient Egyptians believed that, as in life, there would be work to do in the afterlife, so it was an important aspect of their funerary practices to place substitute workers in the tomb. Called shabtis, shawabtis, or ushebtis, they were servant statues. People of many social classes had such figures buried with them, so they vary in size, materials, artistic quality, and number.
A tomb could include many shabtis. A collection might include an overseer for every ten workers, and a worker for each day of the year. Larger shabtis would be set in niches carved in the tomb wall, while smaller ones—like this set—would be stored in a box.
A tomb could include many shabtis. A collection might include an overseer for every ten workers, and a worker for each day of the year. Larger shabtis would be set in niches carved in the tomb wall, while smaller ones—like this set—would be stored in a box.
On view
In Collection(s)