Shabti of Seti I ca. 1294–1279 New Kingdom, Ramesside This shabti was one of hundreds made for the pharaoh Seti I, the father of Ramesses II. Shabtis were placed in a tomb so the owner's spirit would not have to perform manual labor in the afterlife. The figurines were often inscribed with the "shabti text" – chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead – a spell that exhorts the shabti to substitute itself if the owner is asked to till the fields, irrigate the land, or transport sand from east to west. To this end, even royal shabtis are often depicted clutching a pick and a hoe, and with a basket
Shabti of Seti I ca. 1294–1279 New Kingdom, Ramesside This shabti was one of hundreds made for the pharaoh Seti I, the father of Ramesses II. Shabtis were placed in a tomb so the owner's spirit would not have to perform manual labor in the afterlife. The figurines were often inscribed with the "shabti text" – chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead – a spell that exhorts the shabti to substitute itself if the owner is asked to till the fields, irrigate the land, or transport sand from east to west. To this end, even royal shabtis are often depicted clutching a pick and a hoe, and with a basket hanging over one or both shoulders. In this example, the king holds the hoe in his left hand and the pick in his right, but there is no basket on the back. Listen to experts illuminate this artwork's story Listen Play or pause #3360. Shabti of Seti I Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. We are working to make it available as soon as Shabti of Seti I. ca. 1294–1279 Faience, paint. New Kingdom, Ramesside. From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of Seti I (KV 17). Dynasty 19
Size: 3173px × 4000px
Photo credit: © MET/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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