Shabti Statuette of Ahmose
Provenance unknown, presumably from Thebes
New Kingdom, Eighteenth Dynasty, reign of Ahmose (about 1550-1525 B.C.)
Limestone, Height 11-3/8 in.
EA 32191, acquired in 1899 (cat. no. 100)
©Trustees of The British Museum, Courtesy AFA

This is a shabti, a statuette representing the deceased owner that was placed in the tomb to perform any heavy labors required in the Afterworld. Most shabtis are shaped like coffins, with the body shrouded and the arms crossed on the chest. This one, made for King Ahmose, the founder of the New Kingdom, shows him with a royal beard, headcloth, and uraeus cobra.