Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Shabty of the Woman Ahhotep

ca. 1514–1425 B.C.E.

1 of 12

Object Label

Ahhotep, nicknamed Tuiu, was married to a temple official named Ineni. Her shabty probably came from the tomb the couple shared at Thebes. This statue’s wide eyes and large, clearly defined mouth resemble the facial features on images of Thutmose I, his daughter Hatshepsut, and figures of the great courtier Senenmut, who lived during Hatshepsut’s reign. These stylistic conventions are characteristic of most early Eighteenth Dynasty sculpture and do not reflect Ahhotep’s actual appearance.

Caption

Shabty of the Woman Ahhotep, ca. 1514–1425 B.C.E.. Limestone, 8 9/16 x 2 11/16 x 1 3/4 in. (21.7 x 6.9 x 4.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.122E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Shabty of the Woman Ahhotep

Date

ca. 1514–1425 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 18

Period

New Kingdom

Geography

Possible place made: Thebes, Egypt

Medium

Limestone

Classification

Funerary Object

Dimensions

8 9/16 x 2 11/16 x 1 3/4 in. (21.7 x 6.9 x 4.5 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.122E

Frequent Art Questions

  • What is a shabti?

    Shabties are small figurines that often look like little mummy figures. They are usually inscribed with magical spells that help them to perform various tasks in the underworld.
    They basically act as servants or personal assistants to a deceased person! They were buried with that person in order to help him/her in the next life.
    Like what tasks? Daily chores like a servant does?
    The deceased were expected to do work in the afterlife and shabties served as stand-ins so deceased souls could relax instead of working. For example, some of the shabties were specifically designed to perform "agricultural tasks" -- that is, farming!
    The English word "shabti" comes from the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs meaning "the-one-who-replies."

  • Who is Shabty?

    Shabty isn't actually a who, but a what. A shabty is essentially a helper mummy, a small figurine of a servant. This figurine would be buried with an individual to help them with tasks like farming in the afterlife.

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