Ushabti of Djehuty-mose, “Overseer of the Cattle in the Temple of Amun”
Ushabti of Djehuty-mose, “Overseer of the Cattle in the Temple of Amun”, holding a Djed Pillar & Knot of Isis, inscribed with the “Khamuas formula”.
The Khamuas formula takes its name from the ushabtis of prince Khamuas or Khaemwaset, a son of Ramesses II on whose ushabtis this magical spell appears for the first time.
As an antiquarian and magician Khaemwaset is thought to have devised the formula himself in order to facilitate the entry of the deceased into Roset-au (the domain of Osiris), the freedom to move within its boundaries, and the securing of land and workers therein.
The spell, which the owner speaks to the ushabti, usually runs as follows:
“May your face be opened so that you see the sun-disk and that you adore the Sun in life. May you be summoned in Roset-au, and circle the mound of Tja-mut, traverse the valley of Upper Roset-au and open the Secret Cavern. May you take place upon your seat which is in Ta-djeser, like the great crew members who are in Re.”
Sotherby’s. Collection Of The Late Clarence Day.
In ancient Egypt, ushabtis were small figurines that were commonly placed in tombs. They were believed to serve as servants or workers for the deceased in the afterlife.
Ushabtis were often made of materials such as wood, faience, or stone, and they were inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead.
The purpose of ushabtis was to fulfill any labor required by the deceased in the afterlife, so that they could enjoy a comfortable existence.
New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, c. 1292-1190 B.C.
Sotherby’s. Collection Of The Late Clarence Day.
