Ushabty - Styles and Influences
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Ushabty
Egypt; end Middle Kingdom; 2040-1640 BC
They were shaped like mummies and their function was in the afterlife to serve the upper class of Egyptians who had not had to do physical labour when alive, but might be called upon to do so after death.
There is usually an inscription on the bottom making their duties clear: "O Shabti awarded to me if I should be subjected to work in the land of the dead, or if I should encounter any difficulties, like a man on duty you will turn to me in any situation when it is necessary to till the fields, water the shore or carry sand from the east to the west: you will say to me: I am ready".