Worker Shabti of Nauny
Unknown Artist
ca. 1050 B.C.
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H. 8.8 × W. 3.3 × D. 2.1 cm (3 7/16 × 1 5/16 × 13/16 in.)
Classification
Shabti, worker, Nauny
Period
Third Intermediate Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1930
Accession Number
30.3.27.53
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the mystical world of ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs with the *Worker Shabti of Na*, a petite faience figurine from around 1050 B.C. Crafted during Dynasty 21 of the Third Period, this 8.8 cm tall figure represents a servant meant to labor for Nauny—a high-ranking woman likely from Thebes—in the realm of the dead. Shabtis like this one were essential tomb companions, inscribed with hieroglyphs from the Book the Dead, commanding them to perform tasks so the deceased could enjoy eternal leisure. Faience, a glazed composite of quartz, lime, and clay fired to a vibrant turquoise hue...