Shabti of Siptah

Unknown

ca. 1194–1188 B.C. · Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), paint · Egyptian Art

Siptah, the last king of Dynasty 19, appears to have ruled along with the dowager queen Tawosret, who succeeded him briefly after his premature death. He left few monuments except his tomb and unfinished mortuary temple. This alabaster shabti of the king was found in his tomb by the American excavator Theodore Davis. Shabti figures were placed in burials. They were usually inscribed with spells that allowed them to substitute for the deceased in performing manual labor in the afterlife.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1194–1188 B.C.

Medium

Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), paint

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Theodore M. Davis, 1914