Shabtis and Shabti Boxes

Shabtis and Shabti boxes-Thirteen shabti boxes, some containing shabti figurines, were found in the tomb of Yuya and Tuya, with four boxes inscribed specifically for Yuya. They have square bases, with sides that rise higher than their vaulted lids, and door knobs to open the boxes. A further knob, above the door, would be used to seal the door. They are painted with horizontal bands of blue, green, and red on the exterior, forming panels, but are yellow inside. Eighteen shabtis were found in the tomb, fourteen for Yuya and four for Tuya. They are all finely modelled, and have painted eyes. They are each carved from different types of wood: ebony, pine, cedar, and a commoner form of a wood painted to imitate cedar. Each is inscribed with Chapter Six of the book of the Dead, known as the Shabti Text, in which the spell causes the statuette to perform work for the deceased in the afterlife. The shabtis were also accompanied by miniature tools. CEM 120608 - 034 cairo egyptian museum-Shabtis and Shabti boxes JE 95363; wood; H. 30.5cm; JE 68990; wood; H. 26.2cm;18th Dynasty, New Kingdom; Valley of the Kings, Luxor; Upper Floor, Hall 43