In ancient Egypt, ushabti – small statues – were given to the deceased to carry out the necessary work for them in the afterlife, for example in the fields.

Depending on the social status of the deceased, anywhere from a few to 1000 (in the case of the pharaohs) ushabti were found in the tombs or burial chambers. To ensure that these helpers carried out their tasks properly, they were supplemented with overseer figures. The object of the month in May is Shed-Su-Hor, who watched over the granaries as an overseer. He is equipped with a whip.

Uschebti des Shed-Su-Hor
Theben (EG)
1070-945 v. Chr., Fayence