As part of my βUshabti Friendsβ series, I am teaching you how to look at the different characteristics of ushabtis π ±πππππΎ and how those characteristics can help you to narrow down the age/time period that the ushabti π ±πππππΎ is from! Today we are going to look at Royal 18th Dynasty Ushabtis!
All of the ushabtis π ±πππππΎ we are going to look at today ππππ³ are royal ushabtis π ±πππππΎ that all belonged to pharaohs ππ»π¦ from the 18th Dynasty! The 18th Dynasty is almost the βgolden ageβ of ushabtis π ±πππππΎ because these little guys undergo much development during this time period and have so many different characteristics!Β
The wooden ushabti of Amenhotep III
The wooden ushabti π ±πππππΎ of Amenhotep III π³π§π is very interesting because it has a very distinct characteristic of 18th Dynasty ushabtis π ±πππππΎ that is not just one found on royal ushabtis π ±πππππΎ!
A closeup of the wooden ushabti of Amenhotep III to highlight where a hoe or other tools would have been placed in his hands!
There is a space in the hands where tools would have been inserted – such as a hoe πΈ. Tools that were attached separately were only found in the 18th Dynasty!
The Shabti Spell on the ushabti of Amenhotep III
The βShabti Spellβ is also on the ushabti π ±πππππΎ!Β
Limestone ushabti of Amenhotep II
The rock based ushabtis π ±πππππΎ of Amenhotep II ππ ππ΅ππͺ and Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ are all seen holding Ankh symbols in their hands which are crossed over their chest in a mummiform fashion.
Ushabti of Akhenaten holding Ankhs in each hand
I have only seen royal ushabtis π ±πππππΎ with Ankhs πΉ! I find this to be commentary on the religion because a deceased pharaoh ππ» would not have to be doing work anyway – he probably was buried with ushabtis π ±πππππΎ just in case! This is probably why some of the royal ushabtis π ±πππππΎ have Ankhs πΉ and not tools!Β
Ushabti of Akhenaten holding Ankhs in each hand
These ushabtis π ±πππππΎ also have false beards and are wearing some type of royal crown to distinguish that they are pharaohs ππ»π¦!
Ushabti of Akhenaten wearing a royal crown and false beard
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
Did you know that more statues πππππΎπͺ of Amenhotep III π³π§π have survived compared to any other 18th Dynasty pharaoh ππ»? One of the more interesting ones is this statuette of Amenhotep III π³π§π !
Did you know that more statues πππππΎπͺ of Amenhotep III π³π§π have survived compared to any other 18th Dynasty pharaoh ππ»? This is a very interesting statuette of Amenhotep III π³π§π ! Amenhotep the III π³π§π was the father πππ of the infamous pharaoh ππ» Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ. Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ was originally named Amenhotep IV ππ ππ΅πΉπΎπ, until he changed his name ππ to reflect the Aten ππππ³ and his change to the Egyptian religion. The first thing that struck me about this statuette was the artistic style. It seems to be very grounded in realism, which is odd because most pharaohs ππ»π¦ wanted to be depicted as being in peak physical condition. It also illustrates some aspects of Amarna-style art, such as the previously mentioned realism and the sagging/exaggerated belly. This piece almost seems to be a precursor to the Amarna-style. I find these transition-type pieces so interesting because it seems like the Amarna-style art came out of nowhere, however, pieces like this show us that was not the case. The statuette is made of ebony wood π±ππΊ and has glass inlaid eyes πΉππ¦ and eyebrows. It consists of the pharaoh standing on a base, and the base contains hieroglyphs πΉππͺ. The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base are thought to refer to one of Amenhotep IIIβs π³π§π Heb Sed πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ festivals (he ruled for 38 years). The Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, also known as the β30 Year Jubilee,β was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaohβs ππ» reign πΎππ and then subsequent years afterwards. The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base also contain errors, which means it is probably of non-royal production. The exact purpose of the statuette is unknown, but it is thought that it could have been used in a household shrine ππΊ to the pharaoh ππ». Household ππΊ statues/shrines actually became popular during the reign of Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ. This would also support the idea that this was of non-royal production. Follow me to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, Egyptian mythology, art, culture and more! This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost. #ancientEgypt#egyptology#egyptianhistory#egyptianmythology#anticoegitto#brooklynmuseum#amenhotepiii#akhenaten#ancientegyptblog
This is a very interesting statuette of Amenhotep III π³π§π ! Amenhotep the III π³π§π was the father πππ of the infamous pharaoh ππ» Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ. Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ was originally named Amenhotep IV ππ ππ΅πΉπΎπ, until he changed his name ππ to reflect the Aten ππππ³ and his change to the Egyptian religion.
The first thing that struck me about this statuette was the artistic style. It seems to be very grounded in realism, which is odd because most pharaohs ππ»π¦ wanted to be depicted as being in peak physical condition. It also illustrates some aspects of Amarna-style art, such as the previously mentioned realism and the sagging/exaggerated belly.
This piece almost seems to be a precursor to the Amarna-style. I find these transition-type pieces so interesting because it seems like the Amarna-style art came out of nowhere, however, pieces like this show us that was not the case.
The statuette of Amenhotep III π³π§π is made of ebony wood π±ππΊ and has glass inlaid eyes πΉππ¦ and eyebrows. It consists of the pharaoh standing on a base, and the base contains hieroglyphs πΉππͺ.Β
The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base are thought to refer to one of Amenhotep IIIβs π³π§π Heb Sed πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ festivals (he ruled for 38 years). The Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, also known as the β30 Year Jubilee,β was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaohβs ππ» reign πΎππ and then subsequent years afterwards. The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base also contain errors, which means it is probably of non-royal production.
The exact purpose of the statuette is unknown, but it is thought that it could have been used in a household shrine ππΊ to the pharaoh ππ». Household ππΊ statues/shrines actually became popular during the reign of Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ. This would also support the idea that this was of non-royal production.Β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and more!
This video shows a gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which displays objects from Malqata!
In order to celebrate his Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, the pharaoh ππ» Amenhotep III π³π§π built a new palace ππππ₯π which was referred to as βThe House of Rejoicingβ at present day Malqata in Egypt ππ ππ. The Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, also known as the β30 Year Jubilee,β was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaohβs ππ» reign πΎππ.Β
In this display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there are many different amphoras π ππππͺ! Amphoras π ππππͺ are a special type of pottery π πππ that have a pointed bottom and two π» handles that were used for the storage and transport of various things in the ancient world!
Ancient Egyptian amphoras π ππππͺ, such as these one found at Malqata, were usually made of red π§πππ clay πͺππ΄π and then covered with a cream colored coat. They were then painted ππ with blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯, red π§πππ , or black ππ paint π¨ππ ±ππΈπ¦.
You can also see various wall paintings that once adorned the palace ππππ₯π walls at Malqata! I canβt even imagine how beautiful π€ππ and colorful this palace ππππ₯π once was!Β I hope you enjoyed seeing these objects from Malqata!
This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost.
Yesterday π΄ππ³ we looked at a ushabti π ±πππππΎ that belonged to Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ, and today ππππ³ we are going to examine a ushabti π ±πππππΎ that belonged to his π father πππ, the pharaoh ππ» Amenhotep III π³π§π !
An ebony wood Ushabti of Amenhotep III on display at the MET
This ushabti π ±πππππΎ is made of ebony wood π±ππΊ and has glass π£πππΈπΌ inlaid eyes πΉππ¦. The inlaid eyes πΉππ¦ are a striking blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯ and white which make this piece really stand out not only amongst other artifacts, but amongst other ushabti π ±πππππΎ figures too!
This ushabti π ±πππππΎ is a typical mummiform piece – the ushabti has its arms crossed over its chest, and at some point was probably holding a holding the crook πΎ and flail π which have been lost in antiquity. The crown on its head has also been lost, which is a shame. I wonder what the crown would have been made of?
The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ are wonderfully preserved. The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ are carved into the wood π±ππΊ, and then weβre filled with paint π¨ππ ±ππΈπ¦! I love how much the hieroglyphs πΉππͺ stand out against the ebony wood π±ππΊ – I think itβs beautiful π€ππ!
Can you spot Amenhotep IIIβs birth name (ππ ππ΅πΎπ) and throne name (π³π§π ) on the ushabti π ±πππππΎ? Let me know!!!
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
Statue of Amun-Ra or Pharaoh Amenhotep III at the Brooklyn Museum
The first and most obvious reason are the hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on his chest ornament, which is on top of an elaborately carved broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ. While the hieroglyphs πΉππͺ are difficult to see in the picture ππ ±π, here is the translation:
So the full translation would be βNebmaatra, Beloved of Amun-Ra.β This clearly labels the statue ππ ±ππΎ as being of Amenhotep III π³π§π .
Me with the statue of Amun-Ra or Pharaoh Amenhotep III at the Brooklyn Museum
The statue ππ ±ππΎ does have a some similarities to the representation of the god πΉ Amun-Ra ππ ππ³πΊ too, especially the remnants of the crown on his head, which is the same two-plume crown π that is characteristic of Amun-Ra ππ ππ³πΊ.
Amenhotep III π³π§π seems to have had a fascination with Amun-Ra ππ ππ³πΊ, and probably wanted to be depicted as him. Many Egyptologists wonder if Amenhotep IIIβs π³π§π fascination with this solar deity was inspiration for his son π Akhenatenβs ππππ³π ππ religious revolution.
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
The art in Amenhotep IIIβs π³π§π palace ππππ₯π at present-day Malqata must have been such a sight to see! Malqata is located near Thebes πππ in Upper Egypt π on the West Bank of the Nile ππππ ±ππππΊ. One of the reasons why the palace ππππ₯π at Malqata is so fascinating is because of the beautiful π€ππ artwork that has been discovered throughout it!
One of the many pieces of art in Amenhotep III’s Palace from Malqata. The duck and various forms of vegetation create a relaxing ambience!
Believe it or not, this beautiful π€ππ piece of art actually was part of the decoration on the floor in one of the rooms of the palace ππππ₯π! I love how the blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯, green π πΏππ, gold ππππ and cream colors complement each other and make a relaxing ambience. Plus, I think ducks πΏπͺπ§π πͺ are adorable and I love how this duck πΏπͺπ§π is just hanging out amongst the flowers πΌπ ±π°π¦/papyrus π π° and other vegetation ππ°π₯!
In order to celebrate his Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, the pharaoh ππ» Amenhotep III π³π§π built a new palace ππππ₯π which was referred to as βThe House of Rejoicingβ at present day Malqata in Egypt ππ ππ. The Heb Sed Festival πππ΄π§ππ±π³πͺ, also known as the β30 Year Jubilee,β was meant to celebrate the 30th year of a pharaohβs ππ» reign πΎππ. The construction started during year 11 ππΊ of his reign, and Amenhotep III π³π§π made Malqata his primary residence by year 29 ππππΊ.
Malqata was abandoned by Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ when he succeeded his father. Many archaeologists speculate that many of the artists ππππ and craftsmen that worked at Malqata also worked in the Amarna πππππππ workshops because similar floor-art has also been found at Amarna πππππππ.
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost without permission.
This amphora π πππ with an ibex ππ«π΅ head is so beautiful π€ππ! An amphora π πππ is a special type of pottery π πππ that has a pointed bottom and two π» handles that was used for the storage and transport of various things in the ancient world! While Greek amphoras π ππππͺ are the most recognizable, the ancient Egyptians πππππͺ had their own style too!
Amphora with an Ibex Head at the MET
Ancient Egyptian amphoras π ππππͺ, such as this one found at Malqata, were usually made of red π§πππ clay πͺππ΄π and then covered with a cream colored coat. They were then painted ππ with blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯, red π§πππ , or black ππ paint π¨ππ ±ππΈπ¦. This vase π πππ has some pretty π€ππ lotus flowers πΈπΈπΈ and other types of flowers πΌπ ±π°π¦ painted ππ on it!!
A closeup of the Ibex head on the amphora at the MET
The best part about this vase π πππ in my opinion is the ibex ππ«π΅ head that is on it! The ibex ππ«π΅ head was not actually found attached to the amphora π πππ, but it was found nearby and reattached. You can actually see where it was reattached by the line going across its neck! Also, take a look at how the head of the ibex ππ«π΅ is in relation to the body of the animal – the head has a 3D effect which is just too cool! The body of the ibex ππ«π΅ is painted on the vase π πππ, while the head/neck of the ibex ππ«π΅ kind of βjump offβ the vase π πππ! So creative!
While historians will refer to this type of pottery as an βamphora,β in Middle Egyptian, the standard word βmni π πππβ was used which basically just means pot or pottery!
This piece is dated to the reign of Amenhotep III π³π§π (18th Dynasty) and was found at his palace ππππ₯π in Malqata.
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost without permission.
Today we are going to be looking at the cartouche of the throne name of pharaoh ππ» Amenhotep III ππ ππ΅πΎπ! Amenhotep III ππ ππ΅πΎπ ruled during the 18th Dynasty and his rule πΎ was a time of prosperity for Egypt ππ ππ, especially in regards to the arts and international influence!
This piece in the video is a reconstruction of the original by the MET – the blue ππΉππΏπΈπ₯ faience π£πππΈπΌ pieces are original, but the gold ππππ and plaster are not. This beautiful π€ππ decoration is a reconstruction using the tiles that were found during the excavation of Amenhotep IIIβs ππ ππ΅πΎπ palace at Malqata.
Here is his cartouche: π³π§π – NebmaatraΒ
Cartouche of Amenhotep III at the MET. This is the artifact featured in my video!
Letβs take a closer look at the symbols in the cartouche:
π³ – Ra
π§ – Maat (Truth)
π – Neb (Possessor)
The name ππ translates to Possessor is/of the Truth of Ra or Possessor is/of the Maat of Ra
This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost without permission.
One of the things I love so much about ushabti π ±πππππΎ figures is the fact that they are all so different! Even ushabti π ±πππππΎ figures from the same time period have a lot of variation! For example, ushabtis π ±πππππΎπͺ that are from the same burial can contain many different types of ushabtis π ±πππππΎπͺ! Many ushabtis π ±πππππΎπͺ that belonged to the 18th Dynasty pharaohs ππ»π¦ contained a combination of wood π±ππΊ, faience π£πππΈπΌ, and stone ππππͺ ushabti π ±πππππΎ figures!Β
A mummiform ushabti of pharaoh Amenhotep III (left) on display at the Louvre in Paris, France. This ushabti is made of red granite, which is unusual!
The word “mummiform” is used by Egyptologists to describe various artifacts that look like a mummy ππΉπ ±πΎ! So what characteristics makes this ushabti π ±πππππΎ mummiform?Β The ushabti π ±πππππΎ is fashioned in the style of the god πΉ Osiris πΉπ¨π; its crossed arms are holding a crook πΎ and flail π . Much like the god πΉ Osiris πΉπ¨π, mummies ππΉπ ±πΎπͺ (at least those who could afford it) were also laid to rest in this fashion. The ushabti π ±πππππΎ is also wearing the false beard ππππ ±ππΈ, and the white crown π€π with a uraeus πππππ (that is hard to see but is still there).Β
I love ancient Egyptian jewelry πππ’ – especially the beads π΄π π§ππ―πΈπ¦! One of the reasons I love it so much are the bright and beautiful π€ππ colors! It always amazes me how these beautiful π€ππ colors are probably just as bright today ππππ³ as they were thousands πΌπΌπΌ of years ago!Β
An ancient Egyptian necklace that is displayed how it was found – just the beads, no string! These beads are dated to the reign of Amenhotep III (18th Dynasty) and are at the MET.
Fun fact: most of the necklaces πππ ±ππ¦ that are displayed in museums have been re-strung because over time, the fine threading used to actually string the beads π΄π π§ππ―πΈπ¦ together decomposes or disintegrates, and just leaves the beads π΄π π§ππ―πΈπ¦ behind until they are found by archaeologists!
These beads π΄π π§ππ―πΈπ¦ have not been restrung into a necklace πππ ±π, instead they are displayed as they were found. I honestly donβt know which way I like better; the reconstructed necklaces πππ ±ππ¦ that are restrung, or the necklaces πππ ±ππ¦ displayed such as these!
These beads π΄π π§ππ―πΈπ¦ were found at Amenhotep IIIβs ππ ππ΅πΎπ palace at Malqata and are dated to his reign πΎππ. The House of Rejoicing (the name of his palace) and the surrounding villages at Malqata were preserved really well, and it is considered to be one of the most best town sites preserved in Egypt ππ ππ.
Letsβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ! See if you can spot this on the tiles/inlays on the top of the picture ππ ±π!
π³π§π – Nebmaatra (throne name for Amenhotep III)
π π³ – Son of Ra
Do you like ancient Egyptian jewelry πππ’? Let me know your favorite type!!Β
