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Artist/Maker
Unknown artist
DateLate 19th - early 20th century
MediumDark brown glazed terracotta
DimensionsOverall: 16.5 x 5.1 cm (6 1/2 x 2 in.)
Credit LineGift of William C. Winslow, Class of 1862
Object numberINV.701
Not on view
DescriptionMany nineteenth century tourists, including Winslow and Burgess, accidentally and purposefully collected reproductions of antiquities. Dealers in antiquities often produced shabtis, amulets, and jewelry with iconographic features not found on their ancient counterparts to entice collectors with objects that appeared unique, attractive, and “authentic.”
This shabti was made in Egypt during the late nineteenth century. Its inscription is nonsensical, and neither the cartouche of Thutmose III on its chest nor the royal flails in its hands were ever crafted on ancient shabtis. Shabtis of this kind were produced on the Theban West Bank, made from mud blackened over fire, and sold to tourists from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth centuries. (Written by Kayley Boddy '22)
Additional Details
Exhibition History
2012
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Case Histories: The Hidden Meaning of Objects," October 6, 2012 - Present (no cat.).
2011
Clinton, NY. Fred L. Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College. "Learning to Look: Hamilton's Cabinets, Galleries and Museums Past, Present and Future," September 15 - December 16, 2011 (no cat.).
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Case Histories: The Hidden Meaning of Objects," October 6, 2012 - Present (no cat.).
2011
Clinton, NY. Fred L. Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College. "Learning to Look: Hamilton's Cabinets, Galleries and Museums Past, Present and Future," September 15 - December 16, 2011 (no cat.).
Provenance
March 1902: Hamilton College, by gift of William C. Winslow, on behalf of the Egypt Exploration Fund;
date unknown: William C. Winslow, presumably by subscription to the Egypt Exploration Fund.
date unknown: William C. Winslow, presumably by subscription to the Egypt Exploration Fund.
Markings
Sticker on back
Signature
Not signed
Inscribed
Nonsensical inscription around body
Unknown artist
Date: n.d.
Medium: Faience, lapis lazuli
Object number: INV.609
Unknown artist
Date: n.d.
Medium: Faience, lapis lazuli
Object number: INV.610
Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Date: 1776
Medium: Etching
Object number: 1987.14
Unknown artist
Date: c. 1070-945 BCE
Medium: Faience
Object number: INV.699
Leonard Freed
Date: 1979
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Object number: 2014.7.9
Unknown artist
Date: c. 332-250 BCE
Medium: Terracotta with remnants of pigment
Object number: 1943.20