Overseer Shabti
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Overseer Shabti
Place of OriginEgypt
Date25th–31st Dynasties (747–332 BCE)
Dimensions3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Mediumfaience or terracotta
ClassificationSculpture
Credit LineGift of Elise McD. Backus
Object number
1922.241
Not on View
DescriptionA mold-made terracotta or faience funerary figurine representing an overseer. The figure is composed of reddish clay coated in a white glaze or slip to imitate faience. It is depicted wearing a short wig and a projecting triangular apron, characteristic of the overseer type. The figure holds a whip in one hand.
Label TextThis small figurine, known as a shabti, was designed to serve the deceased in the afterlife. While most shabtis were intended to perform manual labor like farming, this specific figure represents an "overseer." Dressed in a triangular apron and holding a whip, its role was to supervise the other shabti workers.
Unidentified
26th Dynasty (664–525 BCE), about 570-527 BCE
325-300 BCE
4th Dynasty (2613–2498 BCE)
25th–31st Dynasties (747–332 BCE)
3rd century BCE to 2nd century CE
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