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Egyptian Ushabti Figurine (Later Period Style)

Close-up of a greyish ceramic Egyptian ushabti figurine held in a hand, showing hieroglyphics and a circular mark. - view 1
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Estimated value

$40 - $120

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Era

Late 19th to early 20th Century

Origin

🇪🇬 Egypt

Authenticity

Uncertain(35%)
7

EGYPTIAN USHABTI FIGURINE (LATER PERIOD STYLE): ORIGINS & SIGNIFICANCE

A funerary figurine, or 'shabti,' designed to act as a servant for the deceased in the afterlife. This particular example shows a fairly coarse ceramic body with a pale, possibly 'self-glazing' faience or slip-coated surface. It features a vertical column of impressed or molded hieroglyphs and a circular stamp at the base of the column that appears to be a manufacturer's or workshop mark, rather than an ancient script element.

ECHOES OF PIVOTAL MOMENTS

Where This Object Echoes

Chinese Han Dynasty206 BCE – 220 CE

Mingqi or 'spirit goods' served a near-identical purpose of providing for the dead's needs in the afterlife.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •The 'Opening of the Mouth' ceremony, which symbolically 'activated' funerary statues and shabtis to serve the deceased.

Meaning Through Time

Ancient Egypt

A literal magical surrogate worker for the afterlife.

19th Century

A symbol of Western fascination with 'Orient' and archaeological discovery; a travel trophy.

WITNESS TO HISTORY

Ushabtis were vital components of Egyptian burial equipment from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period. They were intended to perform manual labor mandated by Osiris. While millions were produced in antiquity, the presence of a modern-style circular stamp and the specific texture of the ...
Ushabtis were vital components of Egyptian burial equipment from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period. They were intended to perform manual labor mandated by Osiris. While millions were produced in antiquity, the presence of a modern-style circular stamp and the specific texture of the ceramic paste suggest this item belongs to the long tradition of Grand Tour souvenirs or museum replicas produced in Egypt during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

LOST DETAILS

1

A standard wealthy Egyptian burial could include 365 ushabtis—one for every day of the year—plus overseer figures.

2

The hieroglyphic text on these figures is usually an excerpt from Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, known as the 'Shabti Spell'.

COMPOSITION & WEAR

Surface

Matte, granular ceramic surface with a stony, 'biscuit' texture; features impressed molding and a distinct circular relief stamp.

Weight & Feel

Likely feels relatively light and porous for its size, consistent with terracotta or low-fired Egyptian faience.

Condition

Surface shows minor abrasions and typical shelf wear; molding is somewhat soft, suggesting a used mold or mass-production technique.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Circular stamp at the base is characteristic of 19th/20th-century souvenir workshops
  • Ceramic paste appears more consistent with modern terracotta than ancient faience
  • Hieroglyphs show molding characteristics rather than hand-incising

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

HISTORIAN'S ASSESSMENT

Decorative Arts Specialist

Ceramics & Silver Expert

The identification of the object type is certain, but the 'authenticity' as an ancient artifact is highly suspect due to the visible workshop marking.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1The circular 'mark' is a modern manufacturing convention, not found on authentic ancient specimens.
  • 2The body material displays a grainy, porous quality typical of mass-produced tourist wares of the 1900s.
  • 3Molding seams are partially visible along the side, suggesting industrial-era casting.
  • 4The hieroglyphs lack the sharp definition of period hand-carved stone or high-quality ancient mold-pressed faience.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The circular maker's mark is a major indicator of a non-ancient origin.
  • •Lack of 'crazing' or glassy vitreous surface typical of authentic Egyptian faience.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Check for a seam line running down the entire side of the figure.
  • →Photograph the bottom of the base to look for kiln supports or modern sanding marks.
  • →Apply a drop of water to an inconspicuous area; ancient faience and modern high-fired ceramics react differently to moisture.

HISTORICAL ARTIFACT VALUATION

$40 - $120

Updated: Mar 17, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User's observation of 'minor wear' matches the visible surface condition which lacks significant burial encrustation or age-related decay.

What Conflicted

  • User believes item is 'Original/Authentic'; however, the circular stamp strongly suggests a 19th-century reproduction or Grand Tour souvenir rather than an antiquity from 600 BCE.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•55 items

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