Worker Shabti of Henettawy (C), Daughter of Isetemkheb

Art Historical Context

This exquisite faience shabti, standing just 12.1 cm tall, served as a "worker" figurine for Henettawy (), daughter of Isetemkheb, during Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (Dynasty21, ca. 990970 B.C.). In Egyptian belief, shabtis were servants placed in tombs to perform laborious tasks—like farming or building—for their owner in the afterlife, the deceased for a life of leisure. Often inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead these small figures blurred the line between art, religion, and utility. Crafted from faience—a brilliant glazed composite of quartz, clay, and lime frit—this shabti showcases the era's technical prowess. The turquoise glaze, achieved through high-fired vitrification, created a gem-like sheen symbolizing rebirth and the Nile's fertility. Affordable yet durable, faience enabled mass production of shabtis for elites, contrasting with pricier stone versions for pharaohs. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art via the Rogers Fund in 1925, this piece from a powerful Theban family highlights Dynasty 21's blend of continuity from the New Kingdom and emerging priestly influence, offering visitors a tangible window into eternal Egyptian aspirations.