A very short history and general introduction to shabti figures
A shabti, also known as an ushabti, is usually a small mummiform figurine found in many ancient Egyptian tombs.
They are usually made of blue or green glazed faience, but also occur in stone, pottery and wood, and the odd rarity in glass and bronze.
The meaning of the Egyptian term is uncertain, however one possible translation is ‘answerer’, as they were believed to answer their master’s call to work as servants in the afterlife.
Shabtis (also known as shawabtis or ushabtis) are small human figures, usually mummiform in shape, which were placed in tombs to replace and act as servants of the deceased in the afterlife.
There is debate around the origin of the name “Shabti”. It may have derived from the word “Swb” (“stick”) or “Shab” (the Persea Tree from which the first wooden Shabtis may have been carved). It has also been suggested that the name derives from the verbs “Sha” (“to command”) or “Shadj” (“to dig”). The later name “Ushabti” (used in the Late Dynastic Period) is generally thought to be derived from the word “wSb” (“answer”).
Shabtis were made from many different materials, most commonly faience, but also wood, stone, pottery, Nile mud, glass, wax and bronze.
Egyptian wooden Stick (peg) shabti
The earliest known shabtis date to the Second Intermediate Period (circa 1782 - 1570 BC).
These are commonly referred to as Stick Shabtis – crude wooden sticks or pegs carved with very rudimentary features and usually inscribed in ink with the name of the deceased. They probably derive from Middle Kingdom servant figure groups, also placed also in tombs, which represented daily tasks such as bread-making, brewing or ploughing fields.
During the New Kingdom (circa 1570-1070 BC) the use of shabti figures became far more common.
Egyptian New Kingdom wood shabti
The Egyptian economy as well as technology and art flourished during the early parts of this period leading to greater personal wealth and in turn a widespread use of shabti figures. These could now be mass-produced in faience or pottery and the wealthiest elite could commission the finest examples in stone, some tombs would contain hundreds of figures.
The most common inscriptions would contain the name of the deceased along with his or her title and perhaps their mother’s name but this period also saw the introduction of the “shabti spell”, also known as Chapter Six from the Book of the Dead:
Hail, Shabti. If the Osiris (name of the deceased) be decreed to do any of the work which is to be done in the Khert-Neter (i.e. the cemetery), let everything which stands in the way be removed from him; whether it be to plough the fields, or to fill the channels with water, or to carry sand from (the East to the West). “Here am I”, you shall say, “I shall do it”.
Egyptian large shabti of Amenemonet
During the Third Intermediate Period (circa 1070 – 664 BC) the use of shabtis in burials became ever more popular.
The result of this was a general decline in quality accompanying the rise in output. It was not uncommon for a tomb to now contain 365 shabtis (one for each day of the year) and a further 36 “overseer shabtis” to direct this army of servants or slaves.
Some very fine blue faience shabtis with painted features and inscriptions do exist from this period though they were produced for royal or very high status burials.
Egyptian 19th Dynasty shabti for Ta-wer-(et)
In the Late Dynastic Period (circa 664-323 BC) most shabtis were produced in faience.
Previously inscriptions had been painted onto the surface of the figure but technological innovations meant that these inscriptions could now be moulded into the figure during production. This technique allowed for mass-production of personalised shabtis yet many examples were produced to a very high standard.
The Ptolemaic Period( circa 323-30 BC) saw the decline of the use and also quality of shabtis.
Figures from this period are often more crudely moulded and generally of a smaller size also.
Shabtis are among the most recognisable ancient objects from Egypt if not antiquity.
Modern interest in these figures dates back to at least the 18th Century but firmly gripped the public imagination following Napoleon’s campaigns in Egypt (1798-1801) and the ensuing flow of “exotic curios” into Europe.
These enigmatic and often aesthetically pleasing figures remain one of the most popular subjects for collecting among antiquarians. Inscribed shabtis will not only reveal the name of the owner for whom they were commissioned but thanks to extensive records and research they can also often be traced back to their original tomb and date of excavation.
For further reading on the subject we recommend the brilliantly researched catalogues published by Glenn Janes, available via this website : http://www.shabtis.com/shabtigroup.php
There is also an excellent catalogue on Niek de Haan’s website: http://www.shabticollections.com/
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Egyptian Funerary Mask
12th August 2024
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9th August 2024
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Response from Helios Gallery
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Bronze votive figurine of Osiris
4th April 2024
I bought a really lovely figurine and I am delighted! I spoke to Rolph and he is a very nice chap, and the figurine arrived two days later. I have bought from Helios Gallery before, after reading glowing reports about them, and have always loved my purchases. Thank you so much.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Robin, Glad you like the little Osiris figure and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment about us, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Egyptian sandals
20th December 2023
The sandals have just arrived thank you. Unfortunately they don’t fit me so I have put them in my display cabinet where they look amazing along with the rest of my antiquities. Once again thank you and happy Christmas to you both.
Response from Helios Gallery
Love this! so glad they don’t fit 🙂 and delighted you love them, many thanks for your comment, Sam & Rolf
Helios - excellent collection of items to buy & excellent customer service
16th December 2023
I have just purchased my ninth item from Helios and will continue to make this company my first choice when I want to buy an antiquity. I always feel confident that whatever I decide to buy is authentic and fairly priced, and the service provided to customers is excellent. Thank you Rolf and Sam
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Excellent Experience!
2nd April 2024
This was my first time purchasing from this vendor and I couldn’t be happier. Once I placed my order, they personally emailed me thanking me and ensured it would be shipped out the next day. One week later, across the Atlantic – I received my piece. It was securely packed and handled with care. I look forward to supporting this vendor in the future!
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Geometric oinochoe
8th November 2023
This is my second purchase from Helios. Very happy with the pitcher- just as described in the website. A nice example of italo-geometric pottery. Well packaged as was the previous item. Fast dispatch. Altogether, very satisfied with this purchase. I am sure to return to this seller. Thank you.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Mike, for you lovely comment, we love to hear that you like the Oinochoe, it is a lovely piece, Many thanks Sam & Rolf: )
Terracotta figurine of Harpocrates
22nd September 2023
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Response from Helios Gallery
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Smooth transaction. Will return.
13th September 2023
Item as described. Carefully packaged and promptly delivered. A happy purchaser! Will continue to visit this dealer.
Response from Helios Gallery
So glad you like the lamp, thank you for the kind comment, Sam and Rolf 🙂
ESTIC CONTENTISSIMA DEL SEU TRACTE I DEL PROFESSIONALS QUE SON
7th September 2023
EMPRESA 100% RECOMANABLE PER LA PROFESSINALITAT I PEL BON TRACTE. ELS HE COMPRAT VARIES PECES I SEMPRE AMB LA CONFIANÇA DE QUE ESTIC ACOMPANYADA DE GRAN PROFESSIONALS
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Triton figure
26th July 2023
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Response from Helios Gallery
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Redfigure Pottery Shard
26th June 2023
Thank you very much for my ancient Greek redfigure shard – communication was excellent and the delivery was very fast!
I am very happy to adding the first ancient piece to my collection!!!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Grace, so glad you are happy with your first antiquity.
Amazing antiquities
31st March 2023
These people have become my go-to place for reasonably priced antiquities with excellent provenance. I know I can count on them to be ethical and responsible in our dealings, and my purchases always arrive on time or even early at times.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Richard, for your kind review, so glad you are pleased with us, we try to have an interesting group of Antiquities for sale. Sam & Rolf
Neolithic flint axe head
5th February 2023
I’m delighted with my purchase, it has exceeded my expectations! The axe head is exactly as described, and was delivered in very safe and secure packaging. Rolf was very courteous and helpful with his communication, which is greatly appreciated. Overall, I am very happy, and I highly recommended Helios Gallery!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you Jeremy, really pleased you like the axe head and many thanks for your kind comment, Sam & Rolf
Minoan blossom bowl
6th February 2023
I made my first purchase from Helios 17 years ago and since then I regurlarly buy Greek items with the same pleasure and full confidence. Once again this Minoan bowl is an excellent item ! I also want to warmly thank Rolf for his great support for administrative questions !
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, JP, for another kind comment, we value you as one of our longest established collectors, many thanks Sam and Rolf
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17th January 2023
I bought two exceptionel wonderful greek terracottas.
Fantastic items and fantastic service by the Helios Gallery.
Highly recommended!
Response from Helios Gallery
Fab comment Stefan, so glad you love the terracotta’s and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sam & Rolf:)