An Egyptian Faience Shabti for the Royal Sem-Priest Hori, 19th Dynasty, ca. 1293 - 1185 BCE

Shabtis of this style belonged to the prophet priests of Ptah at Memphis who had a semi-royal status (cf. J.F. Aubert, Statuettes Egyptiennes, Paris, 1974, p. 91). This example is shown as a mummiform figure made from white faience with features carefully highlighted in dark pigment, particularly his striking wide black eyes. He wears a short black wig with a curled side-lock, a small goatee, and a wide broad collar around his neck. There is a hoe in each hand, used for work in the afterlife, and on his back is a wide seed sack. A single column of vertical text runs down the front that reads: “Illuminate, the Osiris, the sem-priest, Hori.”  

Hori was the son of the prince Khaemweset, the grandson of Ramesses II, and the nephew of the pharaoh Merenptah.  Hori was a member of the high priests of Ptah in Memphis and succeeded Nefer-renpet in this office, Sem-priest of Ptah, and also carried the title of ‘ruler of the craftsmen’. He became the high priest of Ptah in Memphis in the year 65/66 of the reign of Ramsses II and continued to serve under his uncle Merenptah. [Bart, A. Ancient Egypt - Ramesses II (2007)]

For related examples see:

Decker, S. 'Uschebti – Agyptische Dienerfiguren einer deutschen Privatsammlung', Kempen (2005), pp. 54 - 55

Weise, A. 'Agyptische Kunstwerke aus der Sammlung Hans & Sonja Humbel', Basel (2014) pp. 84 - 85 no. 37

Medium: Faience

Dimensions: Height: 5 5/8 inches (14.3 cm)

Condition:  The shabti is intact and in excellent condition overall.  A fine example.

Provenance: Probably excavated from the Memphis, Serapium. Dr. Leopold Benguerel collection, Barcelona, acquired from the London art market during the 1960s, thereafter private Virginia collection, acquired from the NY trade in 2014. Accompanied by Art loss Register Certificate number S00087074.