shawabti

[ shuh-wab-tee ]

noun

1. a figurine placed in an ancient Egyptian tomb to serve as a slave for the soul or as a substitute for the soul in performing forced labor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shawabti¹

1920–25; < Egyptian šwʾbt ( y ), later known as wšbty literally, answerer; perhaps derivative of šw'b kind of wood

Example Sentences

Each figure is also inscribed with the usual shawabti text in horizontal lines across the front and sides of the body.

From Project Gutenberg

A group of broken shawabti figures, blue faience, of Zed-Khensu-auf-ankh.

From Project Gutenberg