Ancient (or at least trying to be) Egyptian Ushabti opinion

Hi,

I recently came by this Ushabti. It was in about four pieces and had been previously restored. The elastic bands I put on are just to hold it all together (don't want to risk gluing it back together just in case it is old).

Obviously, I realize that the majority of these are fake and whilst I do collect some antiquities, I can't say about this.

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions?

Thanks,

 

Welcome Bygonen!
Please can you click edit on your post and then ‘full image’ by your photos so we can see them full size?
Thankyou

 

Fixed it! Thanks.

 

That’s better!
@Any Jewelry is this your area? Not sure who else to tag!

 

Welcome Bygonen.

No expertise, I'm afraid. My parents had an Ushabti, and I have come across others over the years, that's all.
I know they were made from all sorts of materials, and often local clay, which this seems to be. Of course fakers would use the same materials.

I have seen dark clay Ushabtis before, but never with so many mineral inclusions. I think fakers would stick to the more classic types of clay, but I have no proof.
The breaks don't look old, but something can break at any time during its life. If it is real, it could have been broken by the crude tools of looters, for instance.

Since I am out of depth here, and my 'analysis' isn't that of an expert, I think it is best to contact a relevant museum or university department.
I know this expert is very good, but I don't know if she does identifications by mail: https://miekezilverberg.com/

 

Update: Contacted them. They were very nice and polite.

It's almost certainly a fake.

Thanks for all of your help @Any Jewelry

 

That's a shame for you.
Did they give reasons why?

 

Perfect. I am glad that she was so nice.

Not so perfect, but at least now you know. She is good.

You're welcome, Bygonen. I wish it had been a better outcome, but you were realistic enough to know that it could be either way.
You can glue it back together again now, and maybe glue it to a stone or wooden plinth. It will look great, even if it isn't old.