Worker Shabti of Henettawy (C), Daughter of Isetemkheb
Unknown Artist
ca. 990–970 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
h. 11.8 × w. 4.3 × d. 3.6 cm (4 5/8 × 1 11/16 × 1 7/16 in.)
Classification
Worker Shabti, Henettawy C
Period
Third Intermediate Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1925
Accession Number
25.3.20.207
Art Historical Context
Step into the enchanting world of ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs with the *Worker Shabti of Henwy (C), Daughter Isetemkheb*. Crafted around 990–970 B.C. during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (asty 21), this faience figurine served as a magical servant for Henettawy, a high noblewoman likely connected to Theban priestly elites. Shabtis like this were buried in tombs to perform laborious tasks in the afterlife, freeing the deceased for eternal leisure—imagine reciting their spell to activate hundreds of these tireless workers! Made of faience, a vibrant glazed ceramic composed of crushed...