Shabti of Yuya
Unknown Artist
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Medium
Cedar, gold, paint
Dimensions
H. 26.5 × W. 8 × D. 5 cm (10 7/16 × 3 1/8 × 1 15/16 in.)
Classification
Shabti, Yuya
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
Accession Number
30.8.56
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant shabti figure, carved from fragrant cedar wood during Egypt’s New Kingdom, belonged to Yuya, a high-ranking official and father-in-law of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Created around 1390–1352 B.C., it was placed in his tomb to serve as a magical servant in the afterlife. The figure’s serene expression and carefully modeled form reflect the refined funerary art of Dynasty 18, when such statuettes became essential companions for the deceased. Crafted with remarkable skill, the shabti is adorned with gold leaf and painted details that highlight its status. Delicate hieroglyphs inscribed a...