Egypt - The Shabti Spell - Book of Dead

Spell 6 from the Book of the Dead is a crucial text that activates the shabti figures (also called ushabti or shawabti), small statuettes placed in tombs to serve as substitutes for the deceased in the afterlife. These figures were considered laborers who would perform any manual tasks required in the Field of Reeds, sparing the deceased from exertion.

“O shabti, if [Name] is called upon to perform any work in the Field of Reeds, to plow the fields, to irrigate the land, or to carry sand from east to west, then you shall say: ‘Here I am!’ and you shall do the work instead of [Name].”