Egyptian
Ushabti Fragment, 19th century
Stone, 10.2 x 4.1 x 4.1 cm (4 x 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 in.)
This Egyptian alabaster statuette fragment, in shades of grey, white, and brown, is of a figure wearing what appears to be a ceremonial headdress. The individual stares straight ahead, with arms crossed, holding two slender objects in the shape of a scythe with a horizontal cross piece. Under the crossed arms are carved hieroglyphs. The back of the figure shows a small rectangle suspended on a strap over the left shoulder, decorated in small squares. The carved hieroglyphs appear on the back as well.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.