THIRD INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, DYNASTY XXI, 1070-945 B.C.

For related shabtis for Wendjebauendjed see p. 324 in Tiradritti, Egyptian Treasures from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. According to Tiradritti, the Pharaoh Psusennes I revived the use of bronze for his shabtis (see lots 22-24), a practice not seen since the reigns of Rameses II and Rameses III. Bronze was highly valued during this period and its usage for shabtis was considered a luxury. This honor was also extended to Queen Mutnedjemet, the sister and wife of Psusennes I, as well as to other high ranking officials, including the general Wendjebauendjed, who was buried in the same hypogeum as the royal couple.

Psusennes I's tomb at Tanis was excavated by Montet in 1946. He found approximately 20 shabtis for Wendjebauendjed, but by then some had already made their way on to the art market. The general's mummy wore gold finger covers and a gold mask with inlaid glass eyes and brows.