Et Tu Antiquities

Egyptian Ushabtis

Egyptian Ushabtis [ with thumbnail images ]

First, let's answer a few questions.

Ushabtis are small funerary figurines that were buried with a person to act as a worker in the afterworld in place of the deceased. They first appeared about 2000 BC and are made from wood, terracotta, stone, or faience (glazed powdered quartz). The examples here range in size from 134 mm (5 3/8 inches) to 49 mm (just under 2 inches). Two of the pictured ushabtis are of recent manufacture purchased on a trip to Luxor and Cairo. The second and seventh pieces are examples of what is being offered on the internet and even some antiquities stores (one in New York city immediately comes to mind. Please use caution when buying from any unknown dealer. ALL ushabtis currently offered for sale in Egypt are fake as it has been illegal to sell real ones for many years and the penalties are quite severe.

Decent, affordable specimens are becoming difficult to find. Here are five pieces for your consideration priced from $185 to $1,095.

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 664 - 343 BC, Dynasty XXVI - XXX

height: 13.4 cm (5 3/8 inches) - 6" including stand
width: 3.4 cm (at widest point)

A bright turquoise faience piece in mummiform with lappet (tripartite) wig, hoe and pick with seed bag over left shoulder. The T-shape register gives the name of the owner.

Fully intact with no breaks or repairs. A few minor points on the reverse where the faience has worn through. Mounted on a custom wood stand for display.

~~$1,095.00~~
$995.00

click here to order Ushabti-57

Egyptian Ushabti, ca early to mid 20th century AD

height: 12.7 cm (5 inches)
width: 3.9 cm (at widest point)

These come in all sizes and conditions. Be careful buying any antiquities. This piece had been in a collection for 60 years, purchased in Aswan, Egypt.

Not for sale
...
here.

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 664 - 343 BC, Dynasty XXVI - XXX

height: 11.5 cm (4 1/2 inches)
width: 3.3 cm (at widest point)

Beautiful blue-aqua piece in mummiform with lappet (tripartite) wig, a hoe and pick. The Hieroglyphs are present but a bit faint. Easier to see than the images would lead you to believe. A bit of lime deposit present as well as is common on these.

$275.00

click here to order Ushabti-107

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 664 - 343 BC, Dynasty XXVI - XXX

height: 10.8 cm (4 3/8 inches)
width: 3.2 cm (at widest point)

Another nice piece in mummiform with lappet wig, hoe and pick. Single row of hieroglyphs present but worn. Large percentage of glaze on front and a small amount on back has worn away with age. Fully intact with no breaks or repairs.

$235.00

click here to order Ushabti-108

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 664 - 343 BC, Dynasty XXVI - XXX

height: 9.8 cm (3 7/8 inches)
width: 2.3 cm (at widest point)

An interesting mummiform with lappet wig, hoe and pick. Nice detail although glaze is no longer present. Fully intact with no breaks or repairs.

$205.00

click here to order Ushabti-109

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 664 - 343 BC, Dynasty XXVI - XXX

height: 9.5 cm (3 3/4 inches)
width: 2.2 cm (at widest point)

Another interesting mummiform with lappet wig, hoe and pick. Nice detail although glaze is no longer present. Fully intact except for minor loss on front of foot pedestal.

$185.00

click here to order Ushabti-110

Egyptian Ushabti, ca Late 20th - early 21st century AD

height: 5.3 cm (2 1/8 inches)
width: 1.7 cm (at widest point)

These come in all sizes and conditions. Be careful buying any antiquities.

Not for sale
...
here.