These shanties were discovered by myself and my husband at en estate sale. We have had a few people confirm these are genuine. We have had Facebook groups confirm as well. They appear to be in better condition than most shanties on display at museums around the world.
not sure of exact dimensions
Hi Madison,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Yes, these do appear to be 21st Dynasty and shabtis of Princess Muthotep and the songstress of the House of Muthotep.
In ancient Egypt, shabtis were funerary statuettes placed in the tombs and used to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. They appeared at the end of the First Intermediate period (2181 BCE) and were made in a range of media, including stone, metal. wax, glass and wood, though faience (a less expensive composite of mineral coloring, alkali binder and quartz) was - based on surviving examples - the most popular choice. They were represented as standing figures, either with arms crossed over their torso to signify both the afterlife and regal standing, or with arms straight at their sides.
They were first called shabtis through both the Middle and the New Kingdoms and there was a short period between, during the Seventeenth Dynasty (1580 – 1550 BC), where the name shawabti was used. Finally, from the Twenty-first Dynasty, happening during the Third Intermediate Period (1070 – 664 BC), they were called ushabtis (this term is interchangeable among casual scholars but- more knowledgeable sellers will probably call them ushabti
Faience shabtis/ushabtis from this dynasty have been enjoying some fairly strong prices lately, with most selling comfortably within or slightly above a $2,000-4,000 range each.
Have a pair is more desirable and warrants a slight premium above/beyond simply doubling that range: $5,000-8,000 (though if you take these to an auctioneer to sell, they might argue it would be easier to sell these individually).
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Two Egyptian 21st Dynasty carved blue faience ushabti
1077 BCE to 943 BCE.
Each standing figure with arms crossed and hieroglyphics that appear to be translated as "The illuminated, the Osiris, the lady of the house, chantress of Amon, Mout Heteptjen justified, 21st Dynasty.
About 4 inches tall
CONDITION: These ushabti appear to be in good condition with expected wear commensurate to age.
PROVENANCE: Acquired in a yard/garage sale
$2,000-4,000 each or $5,000-8,000 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Mearto's support has forwarded the photos - can you please confirm the length (even if approximate) so I can finish this appraisal?
Thanks!
The shabtis are about 4 inches tall
Thanks very much, Madison, you're all set here.
Have a great day!
Delia
I sent the compressed images to the "support@mearto" address listed above. Please let me know if there is anything additional that is needed! Thank you!