Worker Shabti of Henettawy (C), Daughter of Isetemkheb
Unknown Artist
ca. 990–970 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H. 12 x W. 4.5 x D. 3.6 cm (4 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1 7/16 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
25.3.19.46
Art Historical Context
This delicate faience shabti, standing just under 5 inches tall, served as a "worker" figurine for Henettawy (C), a high-ranking noblewoman and daughter of Isetemheb during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (asty 21, ca. 990–970 B.C.). In ancient Egyptian belief, shabtis like this one were magically activated in the afterlife to perform laborious tasks—such as farming or building—for their owner, allowing the deceased noble to enjoy eternal leisure. Crafted with a vibrant blue-green glaze typical of faience, a composite material of crushed quartz and frit fired with a glossy surface, it evokes...