Homepage Timeline Maps A-Z index Learning

The Shabti Formula

Many shabtis give only the title and name of the owner.

Other shabtis are inscribed with the 'shabti formula':

The NN speaks: "O, these shabtis, if one counts (me) off for (my) duties - now indeed an obstacle is implanted for (against) me there with -, as a man at his duties; if one counts off for you at any time which has be passed there make arable the fields, to turn over the shores, to transport by boat the sand of the West (and) of the East, 'here you are' you shall say.

The spell is already known from the coffin text spell 472, which is found on some mid Twelfth Dynasty coffins from Bersheh (about 1850 BC). It is also known as chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead.


 

Copyright © 2001 University College London. All rights reserved.