ushabti
1
9.9
A small statue placed in ancient Egyptian tombs to do work for the dead in life after death
- noun
- /uˈʃɑːbti/
- Specialized
:
ushabti
- "Salem batted a paw toward the statue. But as this ushabti is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." "Hmm."
Examples
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Each ushabti was designed to serve the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring they were never alone.
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"It's called a ushabti," Vesta explained.
Fiction book (1999) -
But it just so happens that this ushabti belonged to the cat goddess, Bast.
Fiction book (1999) -
"Sabrina clutched the ushabti."
Fiction book (1999) -
The archaeologist carefully examined the ushabti found in the ancient tomb, noting its intricate carvings.
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The museum displayed a beautifully preserved ushabti, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word ushabti comes from ancient Egyptian šwbtj, which means 'answerer' or 'one who answers'. These small figures were meant to 'answer' and do work for the dead, so thinking of them as tomb 'helpers' or 'servants' makes their role easy to remember.