An ‘Answerer’ returns to Egypt for a short visit

CAIRO – 14 August 2017: After exactly 150 years of absence, an ancient Ushabti figurine returns to its home at the Egyptian St. Catherine Island for a visit, as reported by the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery’s website. The Ushabti figurine was discovered in 1867 in St. Catherine and was donated in the 19th century to the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, where it was dated to 1600 BC.

The small artifact was escorted by Mark Lewis (curator) from the Tenby Museum back to St. Catherine Island after John Loring, the island’s caretaker, had requested to see the Ushabti figurine a while ago. Loring said, “Little is known on how the Ushabti figurine made its way to St. Catherine’s Island or even when, but the optimists amongst us could easily draw a tenuous link to St. Catherine of Alexandria, who it is said the original chapel on the island was named after. Very little credible information is available to confirm any such links, so we are left to imagine!” tenby-today.co.uk reported.

A few visitors, including the 32nd Swansea Scouts, had a chance to see the figurine and ask Mark questions about it. According to Tenby Today’s website, Ushabti means ‘Answerer,’ and the figurines were usually found in ancient Egyptian tombs, ranging in height from 4 to 20 inches. They were believed to do tasks for the gods instead of the deceased.

The website also reported that after the short visit, the artifact was returned to its safe storage in a controlled environment in the Tenby Museum.