Ancient Egyptian Pottery Overseer Ushabti
Third Intermediate Period, ca. 1070–664 BCE

A molded Nile silt pottery overseer ushabti retaining traces of its original white slip and black-painted hieroglyphic inscription. Overseer ushabtis are significantly less common than standard worker figures and were intended to supervise the shabti labor force, ensuring that all tasks required of the deceased in the afterlife were carried out.

The inscription invokes Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and reflects the ancient Egyptian belief that ushabtis would magically perform labor on behalf of the deceased in the Field of Reeds, the eternal paradise.

A well-preserved example with excellent ancient surface and strong historical appeal.

Height: 3 in. (7.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex. J. Wayne Collection, Nevada. Ex. Private California Collection. Acquired as part of a group of ushabtis from the same burial assemblage bearing related inscriptions.