HAND-MAIDENS
FOR MEHENKWETRE IN THE OTHERWORLD
When the tomb of Menkwetre was opened in 1920, these exquisite figures
of women attendants, the only large models found among the collection,
had stood solemn-eyed and erect for 4,000 years, ever ready to serve
their illustrious master, each carrying on her head a basket containing
food and drink. The models were half life size.
|
The little figures of servants found in ancient Egyptian
tombs were called Ushabtis, which means "Respondents" or
"Answerers." They
were supposed to respond when the soul of the dead master
or mistress called upon them to perform whatever service
was required.
The ancient Egyptians did not believe, of course, that these little wooden
figures could, of themselves, do anything. They knew quite well that
they would always remain in the tomb in the various attitudes in which
they had been carved.
What they did believe was that each figure had a spirit,
and that the spirit would go to the soul of the mummy in
the Otherworld and act as a servant there.
|
