Shabti of P(a)–di–sema–tawy

A mid–torso fragment of a mummiform shabti. The lower ends of the front lappets remain and show that the figure was wearing a tripartite wig with striations indicated in the modelling. The divine beard is damaged. The arms are crossed left over right on the chest, and the hands emerge from a shroud to hold a pick in the left, and a hoe in the right. Both implements are modelled in shallow relief, the pick now being rather damaged. The back of the shabti is too badly damaged to know if a basket was carried behind the left shoulder. A dorsal pillar is modelled on the back, although this is also very badly damaged. The torso has three horizontal bands of incised inscription, naming the owner as P(a)–di–sema–tawy an army commander who was also known by the name Potasimto. Probably from Kom Abu Yassin – Pharbaithos. P(a)–di–sema–tawy’s grey schist coffin is in Cairo (JE 31566). It was found in Upper Egypt at Kom Abu Yassin in 1896. Parallel ushabtis for P(a)–di–sema–tawy are to be found in Annecy (1089.1) and Limoges (E.804). Transliteration and translation of the inscription: sHD Wsir im.y-r is.wy aHw wr nb mAa-xrw p(A)-di-smA-tA.wy mAa-xrw ms (n) tA-di-As.t Dd.f i wSb.ty ipn ir ip.tw Wsir im.y-r is.wy aHw wr nb mAa-xrw p(A)-di-smA-tA.wy mAa-xrw ms (n) tA-di-As.t ...., "The illuminated one, the Osiris, the Overseer of the Two Bureaux, the Great Warrior – Master of Triumph, P(a)–di–sema–tawy, justified, born (to) Ta–di–Iset, he speaks: O, these shabtis, if one counts, the Osiris, the Overseer of the Double Treasuries, the Great Warrior, Lord of Triumph, P(a)–di–sma–tawy, justified, born (to) Ta–di–Iset ....". CONDITION NOTE 1998: Incomplete, pitted, chipped, adhesive residue, surface dirt.