An ancient Egyptian faience Ushabti figure with arms crossed over the chest, holding a pick and hoe. Circa 20th Dynasty, 1189 to 1077 BC. The ushabti, also called shabti or shawabti, was a funerary figurine used in ancient Egyptian funerary practices. Ushabtis were placed in tombs among the grave goods and were intended to act as servants or minions for the deceased, should they be called upon to do manual labor in the afterlife. Museum Pieces, Ancient Egyptian Ushabti For Collectors.