Day 1 - Shabtis (8145939981)

Shabtis
This display exhibits a large number of the Manchester Museum's collection of Shabti figures.
It is a part of the 'Exploring Objects' gallery which is designed to reveal the full richness of the museum's archaeology collections. Dense displays allow a broader range of objects to be on show. Imaginative grouping of artifacts invite the visitor to consider new approaches to understanding the past.
Shabtis were used by the Egyptians between c.1900 and 100 BC. They were figurines placed in tombs to represent the deceased, and were believed to 'stand in' for them should they be called to work in the afterlife.
Shabti figures usually take the shape of a wrapped mummy with tools that would be required for tasks in the afterlife. These tasks were described in the 'shabit spell' which was inscribed on the front of them. These tools were picks and hoes for the irrigation of crops with the waters from the Nile. Shabtis often carry baskets to help remove sand and soil from place to place.
The hieroglyphic inscription is a magical spell to activate the shabti figure. The full spell is Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead, and refers to tasks which compliment the tools that these figures are typically depicted as holding.
Their inscriptions provide important information on the titles held by their owners. Sometimes there would be so many they would cover a tomb floor. They were usually small but could sometimes be large extravagant works of art.

Shabtis were among the first 'tourist souvenirs' from Egypt because they were small, colourful and were available in large numbers. many were donated to museums, where they provide a useful source of information and make attractive displays!