Shabti of Ta-sheryt-net-tekri

Mummiform bichrome glazed shabti wearing a tripartite wig and a divine beard that is deep blue in colour. A fold is shown in the modelling of the wig above the forehead. The lower edges of the lappets have horizontal line decoration. The arms are crossed on the chest, and the hands emerge from a shroud to hold a pick in the left, and a hoe in the right. The hands themselves have large thumbs. A basket is carried behind the left shoulder. The face is quite square in shape and it has a knobbly chin. The eyes are bulging, the noses are large, and the mouth has a slight smile. The figure is supported by a dorsal pillar, and stands on a trapezoidal base. Although it is not inscribed it was made for a man named Ta-sheryt-net-tekri. The owner had two types of shabtis - small uninscribed ones like this one, and taller inscribed ones. We have a parallel in our collection, no. 44.19.23 (from the collection of Amy Urlin, part of the Egypt Exploration Fund excavation team at Abydos 1901-1902). Excavated by the Egypt Exploration Fund at Abydos, during the 1901-1902 season. The shabti was donated to the Museum 1956 but was not accessioned until 2014. It had previously been stuck within a mahogany presentation box and Museum staff considered it to be a forgery.