A Rare Egyptian Green Faience Reis Shabti of Prince Hornakht, Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, reign of Osorkon II, ca. 874–850 BCE

A rare and finely modeled green-glazed faience reis (overseer) shabti belonging to Prince Hornakht, son of Pharaoh Osorkon II and High Priest of Amun at Tanis. The figure stands upright, wearing a short, elaborately curled wig framing a sensitively modeled face with carefully defined eyes, nose, and mouth. The left arm rests at his side, while the right crosses his chest, holding a whip in raised relief, the distinguishing attribute of an overseer shabti. Details are picked out in black against the green glaze, and a single vertical column of hieroglyphs on the front identifies the owner as Hornakht.

Prince Hornakht was appointed High Priest of Amun at Tanis by his father, Osorkon II, an appointment that strengthened royal authority over the powerful priesthood during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period. Despite his prestigious position, Hornakht died at approximately eight or nine years of age. He was buried within his father's royal tomb complex at Tanis, where his burial was discovered by the French Egyptologist Pierre Montet in 1939. The surviving funerary objects reflect the extraordinary status accorded to the young prince as a member of Egypt's royal family. Shabtis were placed in Egyptian tombs to perform agricultural labor on behalf of the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring their exemption from such obligations. Overseer shabtis, distinguished by their upright posture and whip, were intended to supervise these workers. This example is particularly significant for its royal ownership, substantial size, carefully rendered features, and the survival of an inscription identifying one of the few royal children of the 22nd Dynasty whose burial has been archaeologically documented.

For related example see: Aubert, J-F, Statuettes égyptiennes, chaouabtis, ouchebtis, Paris, (1974), pl. 46, 110 & 111. and Yoyotte, Jean, Tanis l’or des pharaons, catalogue exposition, Paris, Grand-Palais (Reliure inconnue). Editeur : Association Française d’Action Artistique (1 mars 1987). Langue : Français ISBN-10: 2865450570 ISBN-13: 978-2865450572, pg. 148-150 #31 

Medium: Faience

Dimensions: Height: 5 7/8 inches (15 cm)

Condition: The shabti is overall intact and in very good condition.

Provenance: Sotheby's New York. June 23, 1989, lot 56A, private collection of William S. Dietrich II (1938-2010), PA, acquired from Ariadne Galleries, New York, then by descent.