Noble, proud and elegant the ushabti epitomizes ancient Egypt. They are mystical, magical and practical; created by a people whose art and life were absorbed in the life after death. In the Middle Kingdom (ca.2130-1600) only one ushabti was placed in a tomb. It's function is described in Chapter IV of the Book of the Dead: "O this ushabti! If (the deceased) is called upon to work in the hereafter, say thou: I am here" The ushabti was expected to assume the responsibility for work (if required) in place of the deceased. This explains why the figure is holding two hoes, one in each hand. Later, in the New Kingdom, hundreds of ushabi were installed in a tomb to function as 'slaves' in the afterlife. The number of them depended on the wealth of the deceased, just as the number of servants in a household was related to financial means. The transition from life to the otherworld was therefore eased by the presence of art objects, serving as intermediaries between the physical and non-physical realms. Ushabti made from blue or green faience were highly prized, then and now, and considered worthy of the wealthy and even of kings.