From the 21st Dynasty of Egypt's Third Intermediate Period, this faience worker shabti stands as an exquisite example of funerary art, intended to serve its owner in the afterlife. Measuring 11 by 4 by 2.5 cm (4.33 by 1.57 by 0.98 inches), the shabti's turquoise hue is characteristic of the faience work of the era, symbolizing the fertile Nile and the rejuvenation of life. Shabtis were placed in tombs among the grave goods and were meant to activate through the spells written on them to perform any labor that the deceased might be called upon to do in the afterlife. This piece, with detailed hieroglyphs and serene countenance, not only represents ancient religious beliefs but is also a testament to the skill and spiritual depth of the craftsmen of the time.

Inherited from the late Mr. J.A. Smith of London, his collection of ancient artifacts has remained within the family estate until the present time. Mr. J.A. Smith began collecting ancient artifacts during his tenure as a cultural diplomat in Cairo in the early 1960s, a passion that spanned more than four decades.

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