Late Period, Ca. 664-332 BC. A mummiform figure crafted from light-blue faience and adorned with a delicate glazed finish, this exquisite figurine manifests profound attention to detail. The ushabti is adorned with a tripartite wig, a distinctive hairstyle associated with the afterlife, and worn by the deceased to symbolize their eternal transformation. Enhancing its divine countenance, a braided beard graces the chin of the ushabti, signifying its connection to the realm of the gods. The ushabti's crossed arms are meticulously folded over its chest, symbolizing a position of reverence and introspection. Clenched within its hands are the tools of labor�a pick and a hoe�testifying to the ushabti's role as an eternal servant, ready to fulfill agricultural tasks on behalf of the deceased in the realm of the afterlife. These implements underscore the individual's desire for an existence characterized by abundance and self-sustenance, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout eternity. A striking feature on the reverse side of the ushabti is the presence of a dorsal pillar, representing the backbone of the revered deity Osiris. Symbolically, this pillar embodies stability and longevity, underscoring the belief in an enduring and harmonious afterlife. The inclusion of this sacred element accentuates the figurine's divine connection and reinforces the idea of a transformed existence beyond the earthly realm. Size: L:120mm / W:40mm ; 65.95g Provenance: Private London collection, ex. B. Kickx and J. Peeters collections, pre 1978, Belgium.