Author: Niek de Haan

Name: Ouchebtis de deir el-medineh
Author: Dominique Valbelle 
First published: 1972, Publications de l’institute francais d’archeologie orientale 
Amount of pages: 84 plus 31 plates 
ISBN: NA 
Average price: EUR 200- EUR 350 
Availability: Extremely rare 
Language: French Content: Overview of shabtis found in deir el-medina

Review:

It took me a long time and only after the help of a friend to obtain a copy of this ultra rare book on shabtis from deir el-medina. It was probably printed in a limited amount of copies that this book is so rare.

The content is a gathering from shabtis from various museums, mainly Cairo and the Louvre and is the only decent study of shabtis from this area. After the introduction which is well documented, we get a description (hieroglyphs, size and general remarks) of some 185 shabtis, which are followed by plates with pictures from these shabtis. The description also contains information on the amount of shabtis found for each owner, so its more than just a description of one shabti for each owner, comparable to Newberry’s Shabtis. 

Most of the shabtis are pottery TIP shabtis for the ordinary man, so one should not expect nice New Kingdom or, of course, Late Period shabtis that often originate from Sacquarra. 

Conclusion

A nice study and overview of the type, if you can find the book! Only interesting for the hardcore shabticollector. If you are one, the book is a must.

Name: Chaouabtis. Des travailleurs pharaoniques pour l’eternite
Author: Bovot, Jean-Luc 
First published: 2003, Editions de la Reunion des musees nationeuax 
Amount of pages: 101 
ISBN: 2-7118-4607-5 
Average price: EUR 30-40 
Availability: Good
Language: FrenchContent: Catalouge of the 2003 shabti exhibition at the Louvre

Review:

This small booklet is a catalouge of the 2003 exhibition at the Louvre. However, apart from an overview in writing of the pieces of the exhibition, the booklet is more an overview of the various topics of shabtis, such as material, develpment in time and so on.

In that sense this booklet is complementary to the booklet of H.M. Steward’s Shabtis, which can be a very first introduction to the topic.

Since the other book of Bovot, Les Serviteurs Funeraires royeaux et princiers de l’ancienne Egypte, deals extensively about the royal pieces in the Louvre, this booklet adds little extra in that respect. On the other hand, some non royal pieces at the louvre are well pictured in this booklet as well. 

Conclusion

A more general book than the other book of the Louvre shabtis by Bovot. Therefore, less interesting for the shabti specialists and more fore the general public. In view of the limited price and the well written general comments i can still recommend this booklet.

 

Name: Les serviteurs funeraires royaux et princiers de l’Ancienne Egypte
Author: Bovot, Jean-Luc 
First published: 2003, Editions de la Reunion des musees nationeuax 
Amount of pages: 451 
ISBN: 2-7118-4564-8
Average price: EUR 110-EUR 125 
Availability: Good
Language: FrenchContent: Description of the royal shabtis of the Louvre museum in Paris, France.

Review:

The Louvre has over 4,200 shabtis in its collection, making it one of the biggest collections in the world. This excellent book is the first step to publication of the pieces by publishing first the royal pieces of the collection. To expand the scope a bit Mr. Bovot included the royal family members. 

I like the systematical way Mr. Bovot describes the shabtis. All relevant information is there about the shabtis and, what i highly appreciate, the shabtis are shown at real size and from all four angels. Unfortunately not all in colour, but there is a colour section in the front that covers some of the important pieces in colour.

The book is not cheap which could be a set-back for starting collectors. Also they will not likely find parallels for their own shabtis in this book (unless they are really lucky). Nevertheless, i do recommend the book because it also gives a very broad overview of the Louvre shabtis of prince Khaemwaset of which so many fake shabtis turned up in the 1990’s (i refer to the articles of Peter Clayton). Here you find many specimens of how they should look like (as for starters). Furthermore, the general information provided in the book is helpfull for starters as well (if they can read French that is). 

Conclusion
An excellent book with royal shabtis all well described and photographed. Since it covers only royal pieces it will be less interesting for some of the starting collectors, hence “only” 4 shabtis, but it comes close to the maximum of 5. A must have for the experienced collector, dealer and museum.

Name: Uschebtis, Ägyptische Totenfiguren in der Antikensammlung des Münzkabinetts Winterthur
Author: Harry Heidelberger
First published: 1985, Zürich und Winterthur
Amount of pages: 96
ISBN: no ISNB number
Average price: unknown
Availability: Rare
Language: GermanContent: Shabtis in the “Münzkabinetts” in Winterthur, Switserland

Review:

This book is a nice little overview of the 14 shabtis in this “Münzkabinetts” in Winterthur, Switserland. It’s more like a museum catalogue then a real book (hence no ISBN number!).

What I like about the book is its handy size and the quite detailed description of each of the shabtis.

Unfortunately, it’s only a very limited amount of shabtis which is a pity. Also, all pictures are in black & white, which is understandable considering the presumably limited amount of copies but nevertheless, I would have liked colour so much better.

Conclusion

This book(let) is only of interest for the die-hard shabti interested individuals that want to read and see everything about shabtis in the world.

 

Name: Egyptian Shabtis
Author: Stewart, Harry M.
First published: 1995, Shire Publications Ltd
Amount of pages: 64
ISBN: 0-7478-0301-3
Average price: EUR 10
Availability: Good
Language: English

Content: General description of shabtis

Review:

This small booklet in the “Shire Egyptology” series offers the best value-for-money in the area of shabti books. Although this is one of my first books and I almost know it by heart, I still grab it often. The book provides an excellent description of the use of shabtis and the development of shabtis through the periods. Arguably the best thing in the book is an overview /diagram of the various materials that shabtis were made of in combination with the implements to provide a first guide to dating of shabtis. I have not encountered a similar overview in any other book.Also, the handy size makes it easy to take it with you when you visit museums.

Conclusion

One of the few shabti books that is also highly recommended to general lovers of ancient Egyptian art. In view of the limited price, a must have for everyone!