Little farmer

But what kind of work would have to be done in the afterlife? We find the answer in the tools the ushabti is holding.

The implements held by the little figurine are not scepters, which are often depicted in the hands of gods and kings, as often thought. As explained, the ushabtis functioned as servants in the thereafter, where they had to perform various works for the deceased. One of these works was to provide the deceased with food, which had to be cultivated. Therefore, ushabtis often hold hoes in their hand, instruments used to plough the fields (Fig. 1). In rare cases, they carry other attributes with them, like brick molds or water jars. The attributes could be painted or sculpted on the figure itself or could be added separately as miniature models.

This particular ushabti has one more attribute that will help him with his work in the fields, which we can spot when we turn it over…