Shabti - Ancient Egyptian Figure – Servant to Taharqa - Ceramic Sculpture Sculpture

These sculptures are inspired by Ancient Egyptian Shabtis. Shabtis were servant statues used in ancient Egyptian funerary practices. They were placed in tombs among the grave goods and were intended to act as servants for the deceased in the afterlife and perform all the routine jobs of daily life. They often had hieroglyphs describing their abilities. Most shabtis were small but not all. Sometimes they covered the floor around a sarcophagus and are now one of the most commonly represented objects in Egyptology displays. Produced in huge numbers, shabtis, along with scarabs, are the most numerous of all ancient Egyptian antiquities to survive. The tomb of Tutankhamun had a large number of shabtis of varying sizes. Most were ornate, with hieroglyph statements describing their tasks. This sculpture is an imaginative figure invoking the idea and feeling of a Shabti.

I have always been fascinated by Myths and Legends and the Art and traditions of Ancient Cultures. There are many Ancient Egyptian Shabti in the British Museum in London that are wonderful to see. They suggest endless opportunities for creativity.

The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind.

The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work.

I use white stoneware clay and make using slab, carving and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln the second firing between 1100 and 1200c. Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes.

Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them.

Each piece is hand built and unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations.

Signed underneath with signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included.

Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.