ushabti figure

statuette
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://mainten.top/topic/ushabti-figure
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Also known as: shabti figure, shawabty figure
Also spelled:
shabti or shawabty

ushabti figure, any of the small statuettes made of wood, stone, or faience that are often found in large numbers in ancient Egyptian tombs. The figures range in height from approximately 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) and often hold hoes in their arms. Their purpose was to act as a magical substitute for the deceased owner when the gods requested him to undertake menial tasks in the afterlife; the word ushabti is usually translated as “answerer.” During the New Kingdom (1539–1075 bce) the figures were made to resemble the tomb owner by being fashioned in the form of a mummy bearing the owner’s name.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Laura Etheredge.