Worker Shabti of Henettawy (C), Daughter of Isetemkheb
Unknown Artist
ca. 990–970 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H. 12.1 x W. 4.4 x D. 3.5 cm (4 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/8 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
25.3.19.124
Art Historical Context
This exquisite faience shabti, standing just 12.1 cm tall, served as a "worker" figurine for Henettawy (), daughter of Isetemkheb, during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (Dynasty21, ca. 990970 B.C.). In Egyptian belief, shabtis were servants placed in tombs to perform laborious tasks—like farming or building—for their owner in the afterlife, the deceased for a life of leisure. Often inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead these small figures blurred the line between art, religion, and utility. Crafted from faience—a brilliant glazed composite of quartz, clay, and lime frit—this shab...