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An Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Ushabti of Djehuty-mose (Tothmes), Overseer of the Cattle in the Temple of Amun, 19th Dynasty, 1292-1190 B.C.
Description
- An Egyptian Polychrome Limestone Ushabti of Djehuty-mose (Tothmes), Overseer of the Cattle in the Temple of Amun
- Limestone
- Height 12 3/8 in. 31.5 cm.
Provenance
Mathias Komor, New York [E.724], June 30th, 1975
Literature
Collection de feu Omar Pacha Sultan, Le Caire. Catalogue descriptif. Vol. 1: Art égyptien, Paris, 1929, no. 303, pls. XLII (Vitrine 2 bis) and XLV
Jacques-F. and Liliane Aubert, Statuettes égyptiennes. Chaouabtis, ouchebtis, Paris, 1974, p. 89
Jacques-F. Aubert, "Les statuettes funéraires de la Collection Omar Pacha," Chroniques d'Égypte, vol. LI, 1976, no. 303
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The present ushabti is one of a very small group of private ushabtis (all for different owners) inscribed with the hallowed Khamuas formula: others are in Leiden (3.2.1.31 and 3.2.1.19), Cairo (47220 and JE 11092), London (33921), and Vienna; another was sold at Sotheby's, London, December 3rd, 1973, no. 37 (see Aubert, op. cit., 1974, cover illus). The Khamuas formula takes its name from the ushabtis of prince Khamuas or Khaemwaset, a son of Ramesses II on whose ushabtis this magical spell appears for the first time. As an antiquarian and magician Khaemwaset is thought to have devised the formula himself in order to facilitate the entry of the deceased into Roset-au (the domain of Osiris), the freedom to move within its boundaries, and the securing of land and workers therein. The spell, which the owner speaks to the ushabti, usually runs as follows: "May your face be opened so that you see the sun-disk and that you adore the Sun in life. May you be summoned in Roset-au, and circle the mound of Tja-mut, traverse the valley of Upper Roset-au and open the Secret Cavern. May you take place upon your seat which is in Ta-djeser, like the great crew members who are in Re." (H.H. Schneider, Shabtis, Part I, Leiden, 1977, p. 285); the author notes that the formula is "especially composed to raise the owner of the shabti to a higher, divine level, and to make him a citizen, as it were, of the sacred region of Roset-au."