The Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt (notated Dynasty
XIX, alternatively 19th Dynasty or Dynasty 19) is
classified as the second Dynasty of the Ancient
Egyptian New Kingdom period, lasting from 1292 BC
to 1189 BC. The 19th Dynasty and the 20th Dynasty
furthermore together constitute an era known as the
Ramesside period.
Ushabti figure, also spelled shabti or shawabty, any
of the small statuettes made of wood, stone, or
faience that are often found in large numbers in
ancient Egyptian tombs. The figures range in height
from approximately 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) and
often hold hoes in their arms. Their purpose was to
act as a magical substitute for the deceased owner
when the gods requested him to undertake menial
tasks in the afterlife; the word ushabti is usually
translated as “answerer.” During the New Kingdom
(1539–1075 BCE) the figures were made to resemble
the tomb owner by being fashioned in the form of a
mummy bearing the owner’s name.
- (SK.026)
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