from Qurneh, Egypt

Shabti (front)

A shabti is a model of a servant, buried with an ancient Egyptian in order to perform menial tasks in the Afterlife on behalf of the deceased. This example of limestone found at Qurneh in Egypt dates from the New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1186 BC).

The shabti is in the form of a mummy, wearing a striped lappet wig, a broad collar and a scarab pectoral (an amulet in the shape of a dung beetle). She holds a pick and hoe. A bird representing the spirit of the deceased clings to her midriff. The hieroglyphic inscriptions records the name Thauenhuya.

Wealthy people in ancient Egypt were buried with a range of objects to help them in the Afterlife. These included religious amulets, food and drink, furniture, games, clothes, jewels, and servants to do the work.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-455-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.395.6 C
Date:	Late Period New Kingdom: 19th Dynasty (around 1295 to 1186 BC)
Material:
Dimensions:	5.75" H
What:	Shabti
Subject:	Shabtis
Who:	Belzoni (Finder?) Mayne Collection Paenheb (owner)
Where:	Ancient Egypt, Kurneh
Event:
Description:	Shabti, green-glazed faience, inscribed with the shabti-spell in favour of Paenheb: Ancient Egyptian, possibly from Kurneh, Late Period
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