Victoire Raffy

 

An Exploration of the Characteristics and Stylistic Evolution of the Shabti in Ancient Egypt and Nubia 

 

Abstract: The stylistic features of the object on display, the Shabti of Senkamanisken, reveals ancient Egyptian influences, intertwined with a characteristically Nubian re-interpretation of funerary figurines of its type. In this paper, a chronological art-historical timeline has been created, from the First Intermediate Period until the Late Period, to understand how shabtis have developed stylistically and materially. We begin by assessing the uses and main purpose that the shabti had in funerary rituals in ancient Egypt, and what stylistic elements define it as a shabti. Small wax figurines from the First Intermediate Period that we denote as proto-shabtis, lead us into this stylistic journey. Over time, we see the shabti adopting its distinctive features such as the inscription from Chapter Six of Book of the Dead, the crossed arms carrying tools and their small size. Furthermore, the shabti’s features become more refined, embracing extraordinary carved details on materials such as stone and blue faience. Following this stylistic chronology, we turn our attention to the Shabti of Senkamanisken and observe which elements are specifically Kushite in style. This is significant as it allows us to dive into the rich and largely untold ancient Nubian history, facilitated by displaying the Shabti of Senkamanisken. 

 

Bio: Victoire Raffy is originally from Geneva, Switzerland where she was born and raised with a rich mixed cultural heritage. She completed her bachelor’s in Spanish and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh with a First-Class Honours. She is now doing her master’s in Museum Studies at the University of Amsterdam. She is passionate about creating meaningful cross-cultural relationships in the arts sector and is interested in multi-sensorial learning and community-based practises in museums.