A large Egyptian Green Glazed Ushabti for Ibdibu, 26th Dynasty c. 664 -525 B.C.

A good green glazed faience ushabti, finely moulded in mummiform, wearing a tripartite wig and plaited divine beard.  The face is beautifully defined with incised mouth, large almond shaped eyes and faint ears.  The arms are crossed on the chest, hands protrude from a shroud to hold a flail in each fist, the right hand also holding a twisted rope  connected to an seed sack behind the left shoulder.  Horizontal bands of incised text cover the lower chest and legs for Ibdibu, born of Wahibre, son of Iru.  Shallow dorsal pillar at back.

Shabti were figures placed in ancient Egyptian tombs in order to serve the deceased in the afterlife. They hold objects (in this case flails and a basket) that they will use to work, and are carved with inscriptions; usually a passage from the Book of the Dead.

Condition: broken and rejoined at lower legs, minor loss to the tip of the nose, otherwise the shabti is in excellent condition overall.  Some age appropriate surface wear to the glaze that does not detract, with custom mount.

Dimensions: height 7.9 inches (20 centimeters)

Provenance: Acquired from Harmer Rourke, NY in early 1980's thereafter in a private NJ collection.