Ca.1070-945 BC Egyptian. Beautiful buff-coloured ceramic ushabti figure wearing a tripartite wig and robe and standing with crossed arms. The face is carefully modelled with a club nose, bulbous eyes and pursed mouth. Paint is still visible on the figure: black on the hair/wig, brown on the face and brown on the robe. Shabtis, also known as ushabtis, are Egyptian tomb offerings intended to serve and assist the dead in the afterlife. Ushabtis are usually inscribed with title, names, and sometimes parentage of the individual that dedicated them. Such figurines could also be inscribed with passages from the book of the dead so as to secure safe passage for the deceased on their journey to the underworld. Good condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:182mm / W:60mm ; 180g; Provenance: Property of an established London gallery; acquired from a private estate collection formed in the 1980s.