Worker Shabti of Henettawy (C), Daughter of Isetemkheb
Unknown Artist
ca. 990–970 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H. 11.8 x W. 4.5 x D. 3 cm (4 5/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/16 in.)
Classification
Shabti, Henettawy C
Period
Third Intermediate Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1925
Accession Number
25.3.19.41
Art Historical Context
This delicate faience shabti, or "worker figure," belonged to Henettawy (C), a high-ranking noblewoman and daughter of Isetemkheb during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (asty 21, ca.990–970 B.C Standing just 11.8 cm tall, it embodies the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife, where shabtis served as magical servants. Inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead, theseines were activated by chants to perform laborious tasks for their owner in the realm of Osiris, freeing the deceased for eternal leisure. Crafted from faience—a glazed composite of quartz, lime, and clay fired to a vibra...