Description

Egypt, 26th Dynasty, ca. 600 BC. A single mold for the production of mummiform shabtis with a tripartite wig, a beard. One of the most familiar items of ancient Egyptian funerary equipment was the shabti-figure, a small mummiform statuette intended to act as a substitute for its owner should he or she be summoned to perform any arduous manual labour in the Underworld. Shabtis were made in a wide variety of materials including stone, wood, faience (glazed composition), pottery and metal. The better-quality specimens are inscribed with the hieroglyphic text of the 'shabti formula', a magical spell by which the figures were to be brought to life in the Underworld. Wood stand has goldtone plaque on front that reads “LIMESTONE USHABTI MOLD, 26th Dyansty, circa 600 B.C.’ along with de-accession marking ‘N: 531’ handwritten in black. Mold itself measures 5”H x 2-1/2”W.

Provenance: Ex-private Toronto, Ontario Collection, published / de-accessioned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.

Condition

Intact/generally excellent, save expected wear, as shown. An amazing find with amazing provenance!