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Faience Shabti Inscribed for Hermek with Spell from Book of the Dead
Circa 745-645 BC
Description: Faience shabti, inscribed for Hermek, with crisp facial features with extensive hieroglyphics in nine horizontal registers on front and a single column on the back pillar. 25th Dynasty. The front is inscribed with Chapter Six of the Book of the Dead, the so-called "Shabti Spell" reading in part:
“Instructions of the Osiris [Her]mek [Justified]: He says: O Ye Shabty, if Hermek, Justified, is counted off or reckoned in order to do any work which is done. . . there, as/consisting of. . . . Here I am. . . . which is done there. . . . the field . . . . “
The back pillar reads: “The Osiris. . . . for/to you. . . you/your (plural)”
Height: 6.0 in. (15 cm)
Condition: Intact. Some wear to the glaze.
Provenance: Private New England collection of an Egyptian lady who emigrated to the US in 1956.
Exhibited: Amarillo Art Center, Texas, October 9, 1974-November 3, 1974, as #14 (one of three in group), described: "Three Ushepti Figures, faience, 25th Dynasty, 800 BC".
Reference: For many exemplars of the Shabti Spell, see T. G. Allen, The Egyptian Book of the Dead Documents in the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago (Chicago: U. of Chicago, 1960). The subject-matter pertains to the deceased being conscripted to do work in the “Necropolis” or realm of the dead, and the Shabtis answering the roll call instead.
Price: $ 5,800
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