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Ushabti of Taharqa

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

Kushite royal artisans created images that simultaneously incorporated elements of Egyptian iconography and emphasized their subjects' non-Egyptian origin. Thus while this shabti, or funerary figure, shows Taharqa holding traditional Egyptian agricultural implements and reproduces the text of Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead as had been done for centuries, the style of the piece, especially the round face and broad nose, is typically Kushite.

CULTURES Nubian; Kushite
MEDIUM Ankerite
  • Place Excavated: Nuri, Sudan (ancient Nubia)
  • DATES ca. 690–664 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 25
    PERIOD Third Intermediate Period
    DIMENSIONS 15 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (40 x 14 x 8.9 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 39.2
    CREDIT LINE By exchange
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Large brown granite ushabti of Taharqa. The ushabti has bulging headdress, hands are opposite with a hoe in each hand and a cord and basket over each shoulder. Single uraeus on headdress. Inscription runs across front sides. Figure is free standing. Condition: There is a deposit over the front part on the face and base which may be the remains of paint.
    CAPTION Nubian. Ushabti of Taharqa, ca. 690–664 B.C.E. Ankerite, 15 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (40 x 14 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, By exchange, 39.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 39.2_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 39.2_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2016
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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