Et Tu Antiquities

Egyptian Ushabtis

Egyptian Ushabtis [ without 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).

Decent, affordable specimens are becoming difficult to find. Here are four pieces for your consideration priced from $35 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

click here to order Ushabti-57

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

height: 11.4 cm (4 3/8 inches)
width: 3.4 cm (at widest point)

Beautiful blue-aqua piece in mummiform with lappet (tripartite) wig, a hoe and pick. The T-shape register gives the name of the owner and his mother in wonderful detail. The hieroglyphs translate to:

MAY HE BE ILLUMINATED, THE OSIRIS REDJY-M-HOTEP BORN OF THE WOMAN MERYF

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

$645.00

click here to order Ushabti-56

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

height: 11.5 cm (4 5/8 inches)
width: 3.4 cm (at widest point)

A nice pale-aqua piece with smooth lines like the previous pieces. I will mention the small spot on the front legs as worn through the outer glaze but as collectors will know, all real specimens will have some minor defects. You would too if you were over 2000 years old. Fully intact with no breaks or repairs.

sold

Egyptian Ushabti, ca 945 - 715 BC, Dynasty XXII

height: 11.2 cm (4 3/8 inches)
width: 3.7 cm (at widest point)

An earlier specimen of aqua faience having black painted details including a vertical hieroglyphic register, tied head band, implements, and seed sack on back. The paint is worn but piece is intact and free of breaks or repairs.

sold

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

height: 5.3 cm (2 7/8 inches)
width: 2.3 cm (at widest point)

The upper portion of a terracotta ushabti. Good color and some detail.

$35.00

sold

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

height: 5.1 cm (2 inches)
width: 1.9 cm (at widest point)

A glossy aqua piece with smoothed detail. Fully intact with no breaks or repairs.

$75.00

sold

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.

Egyptian Ushabti, ca early 21st century AD

height: 6.2 cm (2 1/8 inches)
width: 2.1 cm (at widest point)

These come in all sizes and conditions. Be careful buying any antiquities. Purchased as an imitation in Luxor, Egypt for under $5. Don't buy similar pieces as authentic!!

Not for sale
...
here.

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.